Nomandela in mix for Bucks

MTHATHA Bucks took the football fraternity by surprise when they announced their latest signing – the equally infamous and talented Luyolo Nomandela, confirming a rumour that has been circulating for about two weeks.

Bucks’ general manager, Luxolo Matikinca, told the Dispatch they were ecstatic to have signed the talented former Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City striker.

“He has shown he is eager to work and to revive his career because the talent he has will add value to the team,” said Matikinca.

Matikinca added the team was not worried about the past behavioural issues the player has had with more than two PSL teams.

“Everybody deserves chance.

“This is a local boy and if we can’t support him in his hometown, who another else can do that for him?

“As long as he behaves we’ll support him as much as we can. Because all he needs is the support of people surrounding him.

“We’re definitely not worried about his behaviour. We have sat him down, and spoken to him so now it’s up to him.”

Matikinca said the Ngqeleni-born soccer whiz has vowed to the club that he would not resort to his old ways.

“He’s promised to stay in line and to do his best because he knows that this is probably his last chance to try and revive his career. “But it is all up to him. “We as Mthatha Bucks will provide the platform for him to do the best for himself.”

Matikinca explained that it was all part of the plan at Bucks to take the team to top-flight football.

“If you heard when we announced our new players at the beginning of the season, one of the things that we said was that this is the season we are giving it our best shot, and he is part of that bigger plan.”

Nomandela has played in top-flight football since 2012 but his career took a knock when Mamelodi Sundowns released him from his contract last October. The talented player then went to Cape Town City in December where he made two appearances and was also released by that club.

Nomandela, who has been on trial at Bucks for four weeks, said he was excited to return to his home and play for Amatholamnyama.

“I will try by all means to be a team player and give the fans what they love about my football.

“I will also do my best to help the team to reach the PSL as that’s the club’s ambition.

“My fans should be patient with me because I’m going to take it one game at a time because this all about Mthatha Bucks, not just me.”

Nomandela added that he was already gelling well with the team, and was looking forward to exploring combinations in the setup.