Dlangala set to get nod

Former Orlando Pirates assistant coach Zipho Dlangalala (above) has been tipped to take over at National First Division side Royal Eagles after stabilising the team over the past few weeks. “He has done well and the players seem happy with him. He has brought back a lively spirit and the players are now fighting again. I heard he will be offered the job on a permanent basis soon. He just needs to meet with the chairman to discuss terms,” said a source close to the team’s management. Dlangalala has previously worked as assistant coach at AmaZulu, Mamelodi Sundowns, Pirates and Chippa United. Van Heerden is marking time

Orlando Pirates defender Marc van Heerden (above) wants out of the club as he feels his services are no longer needed at the Soweto giants. A source close to the player said he had approached club chairman Irvin Khoza to ask that he be put up for sale. “But Khoza was not too keen on the move and asked that he stay a little longer and fight for his position. He agreed but if by January things have not changed, he is likely to leave,” said the source. Van Heerden has found himself second in the pecking order after Innocent Maela became the first choice at leftback under new coach Milutin Sredojevic. Kgatlana in demand overseas

A source has told Phakaaathi that Banyana Banyana striker Thembi Kgatlana (above) has attracted interest from overseas teams following her display at the recent Cosafa women’s championships in Zimbabwe. The 21-year-old striker, who plays for the University of Western Cape, helped Banyana clinch their fourth Cosafa title and was named the Player-of-the-Tournament. “She has to fly to the US in the next two months. There are a number of teams interested in signing her, but she wants to complete her studies first. Thembi is talented and we all want to see her succeed,” said a source. Motha resigned to his fate

Former Mpumalanga Black Aces striker Madoda Motha (above) is currently plying his trade in the ABC Motsepe League for Baberwa FC after failing to get back to playing in top-flight football in the last two years. Motha, who is 32 years old, has played for Free State Stars, Jomo Cosmos and Aces in his playing days. “He is one of those footballers who had the chance to make it big but wasted the opportunity. He is now playing with us in the ABC Motsepe League and it doesn’t seem like he will get back to playing professional football again,” said the source.