‘Sikhali’s SA move impossible for now

MBABANE –Star striker Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa cannot make any move just yet as he remains banned in South Africa.

Leading top scorer in the ongoing Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup 2022 in Durban, South Africa, where he has scored three goals for Eswatini, those anticipating him to get an offer to play in the money-spinning DStv Premiership in the upcoming season can be pardoned; he is in top form. He scored 23 goals for Mbabane Highlanders to finish as the second best scorer in the league and is a hot contender for the MTN Premier League Player of the Year Award.

At the COSAFA tournament, he has scored three goals. He is also now the second top joint scorer of all time in the COSAFA Cup alongside Zimbabwe legend Peter Ndlovu, with eight goals.

At the summit on nine goals is former Eswatini international Felix Badenhorst who was not included in the squad this year. It has transpired that ‘Sikhali’s good form in the COSAFA Cup may count for nothing even if he recieves offers, as any move to SA can only happen after the end of August.

He remains banned in SA football after he was slapped with a two-year ban in 2020 by the

South African Football Association (SAFA) Tribunal for signing with two teams, Mbombela United and TS Sporting.

SA publication, FarPost reported on Monday evening that the 30-year-old star was ineligible to join the DStv Premiership at this moment, as his ban was still on until August 30. He is in essence, only eligible to play in SA as of September 1, 2022. His ban was effected on August 20, 2020.

However, the player had earlier said there was no offer yet or anyone approaching him about an opportunity, in SA while also dispelling claims he had agreed terms with his former team Mbabane Swallows, as speculated on Facebook on Tuesday morning.

Offer

However, Swallows did make an offer alongside Royal Leopard, as the Highlanders forward is suddenly hot property after a stellar two seasons for the black and white ensemble and Sihlangu. He netted 19 goals in his first season and finished as runner-up to Phiwayinkhosi Dlamini of Young Buffaloes before another Buffaloes star in Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze overtook him to the gong last season, with 26 goals.

Meanwhile, his contract with Highlanders runs out in September, but has been offered a three-year renewal with improved terms.

COSAFA media) (Pic: Sihlangu and Mbabane Highlanders forward Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa during the COSAFA Cup quarterfinal against Senegal at King Zwelithini Stadium yesterday. Sihlangu lost 10-9 after penalties while the match ended 1-all in regulation time.