THE LATEST NFD NEWS

• Former Royal Eagles defender, Karabo Litabe, who showed so much promise at a young age, has been unemployed on the football front for the past six months. “Imagine not having an income and trying to pay a monthly instalment for an expensive car,” said a source.

• Ajax Cape Town’s Youth Academy graduate, Riyaaz Koopstadt, appeared on the club’s team sheet against TS Galaxy and Ubuntu Cape Town, but wasn’t called upon to make his NFD debut. • Meanwhile, referee Khumalo booked seven players for reckless challenges, including four from Ubuntu, during the heated Mother City derby between the Urban Warriors and the NFD’s lastplaced team. • With 21 goals scored during round eight, the league’s top marksmen at that stage were Siyabonga Vilane (Uthongathi FC, six), Iqraam Rayners( Stellenbosch FC, five), Jarrod Moroole (Stellenbosch FC) and Onyedikachi Ononogbu (Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC, both four). • A Galaxy FC insider has explained why head coach, Dan Malesela, didn’t appear on the bench during his club’s goalless draw with Royal Eagles at Chatsworth Stadium. “Dan had some family stuff to attend to, but he’s now back,” he said. • Well-travelled head coach, Ashwin Sutton, last on the books of Mbombela United, is still looking for a team. “I’m at home working on a school project, which keeps me busy,” he told Soccer Laduma. • Royal Eagles’ veteran striker-cum-midfielder, Lesvin Stoffels, has returned to training following an injury that has kept him on the sidelines for the past month or so. “Hopefully I’m up for selection soon,” he said.