Manqele finds new NFD home
Striker tries to find mojo at Tshakhuma
On a sunny day in Limpopo, striker Edward Manqele was looking on the bright side of his football career.
It’s been seven years since Manqele burst on the PSL scene and scored 14 goals in 33 appearances in all competitions for Free State Stars.
Since his move to Mamelodi Sundowns in 2012 things have not been the same as he’s moved from one club to the next without much success.
He appeared to revive his career with a loan move to Moroka Swallows, for whom he scored 12 goals in 21 starts in the 2013/14 season.
But it’s been downhill ever since with unsuccessful stints at Chippa United, Kaizer Chiefs and another one at Free State Stars.
Now 31, he’s gone down a division to the NFD. Manqele has joined Tshakhuma Tsha ● Sedwyn George (Royal Eagles) – 20
2015/16:
●
Thabiso Kutumela [Baroka] – 18
2014/15:
Phumelele Bhengu [Thanda Royal Zulu] – 22
2013/14:
David Zulu (Black Leopards) – 16. Madzivhandila on a seasonlong contract, where he hopes to find his feet again.
“So far, so good. I’m enjoying my stay here and obviously the welcome has been great. Environment-wise I’m used to such [places],” he said.
“It’s a [new] start for me and you have to start somewhere to gain the momentum again – get confidence and start banging in the goals.”
Tshakhuma were one of the NFD title chasers last season, but the wheels came off and they finished sixth.
Manqele has backed them to once again challenge for automatic promotion.
“From what I’ve seen, we can compete. Obviously it’s not easy but we can compete. Who knows? Football can surprise you. We have a good squad that is willing to compete,” he added.
Tshakhuma played to a goalless draw with Uthongathi in their season opener last weekend and will host Real Kings at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday [3pm].
Meanwhile, former NFD top scorer David Zulu is trying his luck at Tshakhuma after he lasted about a month at PSL side Baroka.
NFD TOP SCORERS IN THE PAST FIVE SEASONS