Khumalo hits it big at Ea Lla Koto
After an unsuccessful onemonth trial with Orlando Pirates, Nedbank Ke Yona Team goalkeeper Mduduzi Khumalo has joined Free State Stars on a two-and-a-half year deal.
“It is a blessing in disguise that Pirates decided not to sign me [because] even if they did sign me, it was going to be hard to play because of the high number of keepers [in their books],” Khumalo told Sowetan.
Pirates have three experienced keepers in Wayne Sandilands, Jackson Mabokgwane and Siyabonga Mpontshane.
“It was a good experience [at Orlando Pirates] because I learnt a lot of things from all of their keepers.
“I will always be thankful to Nedbank and Pirates for the opportunity,” added Khumalo.
The 23-year-old goal-minder was in goal for the development team when they lost to 21 to SuperSport United in the Ke Yona Challenge at Makhulong Stadium in September. His performance on the day impressed Ea La Koto.
“We have been in contact since then, but I could not join them because I was still undergoing trials at Pirates and the agreement was that I spend a month there,” said the Hlabisa-born, KZN, keeper.
Fellow KZN players Siphelele Mthembu and Goodman Dlamini have made settling at the Bethlehembased side easier for Khumalo.
“Dlamini is from Nongoma and it is very close to my home town Hlabisa.” The keeper is the second Ke Yona graduate to secure a top-flight deal following captain Kamogelo Mogotlane’s departure to Cape Town City in October.