Future bright for Usuthu youngsters

MDC players set to be promoted

After their impressive start to their second MultiChoice Diski Challenge (MDC) season, AmaZulu coach Ayanda Dlamini has tipped four of his troops to graduate to the senior side at the end of the campaign.

Dlamini believes his centraldefensive pair of Sandile Khumalo and Sibusiso Maluleke, left-back Ntuthuko Madela and striker Bayanda Shangase can fit like a glove in the first team.

“All my players have been doing well but at this stage I feel only four can fit in the senior team.

“Khumalo and Maluleke have been very solid at the heart of our defence. We also have Madela, he’s a very skilful left-back who’s also good defensively,” Dlamini told Sowetan yesterday.

“Shangase has scored four goals in four matches, that’s amazing. The boy is so matured.

“I have been speaking to Cavin Johnson [the first team’s head coach] about these players. He invited them to train with the first team and he was very happy. I think they’ll graduate to the topflight at the end of this season.”

The AmaZulu Diski tactician also sounded optimistic that the KwaZulu-Natal side can lift the MDC title.

After four matches, Usuthu are top of the MDC standings with 10 points – one ahead of second-placed Cape Town City – who they clash tomorrow at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.

“We have what it takes to go all the way and win the title. For us, the most important thing is to believe in ourselves and take it game by game,” noted Dlamini.