Bucks coach would grab star prospect

Mthatha Bucks coach Sibusiso Mapompo thinks Nedbank Ke Yona cadet Buyelekhaya Velelwandle has far more to offer after “his stunning display” during the Nedbank Ke Yona Challenge at Makholong Stadium over the weekend.

The Premier Soccer League hopefuls lost 2-1 to Free State Stars.

Mapompo said he was not that close with the former Mthatha City defensive midfielder but he had been monitoring his progress at City before they were relegated from ABC Motsepe League last season.

“I would gladly take the boy if his trial at the club that he will be drafted to fails; he can come to Bucks at anytime.

“And with his quality and style he could easily fit in at National First Division and even PSL for that matter, because he’s reached his amateur peak and now he needs to progress.”

Mapompo said affording opportunities to local players was now a priority at the former NFD side – which was not always the case when he was assistant to Ian Palmer and Duncan Lechesa. “I was hoping for teams like Chippa and NFD teams around the country to snatch him up now, because we all saw his quality,” he said.

“And watching Velelwandle at Motsepe and at SAB League with Mighty Bucks was something wonderful and we at Bucks would sign him even tomorrow without a doubt.

“Because things have changed now we are all for the local boy who has something to offer and I watched him play during their Nedbank Ke Yona game and he impressed me even more.”

I would gladly take the boy if his trial at the club that he will be drafted to fails; he can come to Bucks at anytime