Locals making waves in Botswana, Zambia
MBABANE – The Sports Desk brings in an international focus, where the latest updates regarding players plying their trade outside Eswatini will be included.
Known for their dominance in starting lineups, this week gives more insight on Banele ‘Current Affairs’ Ndzabandzaba and Lindo ‘All-Trades’ Mkhonta. Eswatini international and Botswana side Police XI attacking midfielder Banele ‘Current Affairs’ Ndzabandzaba slid in a penalty to assist his team advance to last 16 stage of the Orange FA Cup last Saturday. This is his first tournament with the club.
‘Current Affairs’ as the player is popularly known in Botswana scored the third penalty in their 4-2 victory against Eleven Angels after a 1-all draw was played on regulation time. The ongoing tournament is expected to continue after two weeks. This seasoned player has six assists secured from 17 matches played in the Botswana Premier League. The 25-year-old said his only challenge was the weather at an unfamiliar Tswana land. “I just want to help the team improve its current standings and possibly win a trophy in due time,” Ndzabandzaba said. The Otse Village based outfit currently occupies position 13 on
the standings with 16 points, having played 17 matches in the 2023/24 season. Ndzabandzaba left Mbabane giants Highlanders for the Botswana side in August last year. He has previously plied his trade with South African (SA) GladAfrica Championship, side Mbombela United and Matsapha United among other teams.
Meanwhile, Eswatini international and Zambian side ZESCO United right back Lindo ‘All-Trades’ Mkhonta recently revealed that he will extend his contract with the Ndola giants if they reach an agreement.
Mkhonta was responding to a question as to whether he would consider extending his contract with ZESCO when it ends next year. “I will extend my contract if we reach certain agreements if they do approach me with a new deal,” he said. Worth noting is that these agreements are withheld, as ZESCO have not engaged the player and his representatives with regards to a possible new deal. Mkhonta is rated as the current highest paid Eswatini football player as he earns over E50 000 per month including bonuses.
All-Trades has a two-year running contract with ZESCO which will expire in July next year having penned a deal in January last year. The right-footed player made headlines for scoring a second goal with ZESCO during their 1-all draw against Konkola Blades last month. He has six assists in the 2023/24 season set to end in May this year.
Meanwhile, ZESCO faced Green Buffaloes with Mkhonta replacing John Chingandu just into second half last Saturday. The orange and green ensemble won 1-0 thus maintaining second spot on the Zambia Super League standings with a three point margin behind Red Arrows, who are in position one.