Five players who must make a move
With the transfer window open, many stars will be looking for new homes for the rest of the season, and beyond
THE January transfer window opened yesterday and Bidvest Wits took the lead by snapping Prince Nxumalo and Sinethemba Jantjie on pre-contracts. This is a crucial period in the league race and fight for survival as clubs not only sign players for the final stretch but they also make acquisitions with an eye on the future through pre-contracts. Independent Newspapers looks at five players who should move during this period.
MOGAKOLODI NGELE
The Mamelodi Sundowns star is a forgotten man after inspiring Bidvest Wits to a league triumph two seasons ago while on loan. The playmaker is yet to kick a ball in a competitive match this season. It was rumoured that he asked to leave the Brazilians as it’s clear that he isn’t in coach Pitso Mosimane’s plans. There are a number of teams who could benefit from his playmaking abilities coupled with his good touch in set-pieces.
PHUMLANI NTSHANGASE
Bidvest Wits’ longest-serving player in their current squad is in need of a new home. He fell out of favour with coach Gavin Hunt which led to his loan spell with SuperSport United.
He hasn’t lit-up the scene with Matsatsantsa a Pitori but he has shown glimpses of why he was, at one point, one of the best midfielders in the country. His versatility, able to play in midfield and defence, make him an asset.
GUSTAVO PAEZ
The Kaizer Chiefs forward started like a fizzy drink at Amakhosi, full of zest and energy but flattened in the presence of stiffer competition. Khama Billiat and Leonardo Castro sit high in the pecking order, followed by Dumisani Zuma, Bernard Parker and Ryan Moon. Paez is unlikely to see more game time, especially with Philani Zulu also pushed forward and Lebogang Manyama finding his feet. He could be a welcomed addition for teams who are thin upfront.
AYANDA NKOSI
Nkosi showed great promise at Free State Stars before he was snapped up by Orlando Pirates. His speed, skills and an eye for goal made him a menacing forward even though there were certain areas of his games that needed refining. His big move to Pirates though has seen him take a step back as he has struggled for game time in a team that boasts one of the deadliest attacking units – without his services. The more he stays without playing the more his star will fade.
LANTSHENE PHALANE
The 29-year-old is one of the most underrated players. He is not fancy but effective, and the talented midfielder is one of a few things that have gone right for Bloemfontein Celtic this season. He has anchored Phunya Sele Sele’s midfield with aplomb. But with the Celtic ship sinking, he is probably looking for a new home where his talent will be complimented and he won’t have to worry about the rough seas that Celtic is trying to negotiate their way through. Phalane is on the radar of a number of teams.