Sono hopes to fill void in his push for Premiership

Sibongiseni Gumbi

There has been a general perception that Jomo Cosmos owner Jomo Sono may have shot himself in the foot by allowing two of his influential players, Mxolisi Macuphu and Linda Mntambo, to leave the club during the mid-season transfer window.

The duo, who have been influential in Ezenkosi’s rise to the second spot in the National First Division standings have since joined Chippa United in the Absa Premiership.

Sono has brought in an equally capable Nkanyiso Zungu to replace Macuphu while Mntambo’s midfield responsibilities will fall on Scelo Mkhize who has proved to be a gem since joining in June.

Zungu – who joined Cosmos on a six-month loan from AmaZulu – said he was aware of the responsibility on his shoulders.

“I am happy to be at Cosmos and looking forward to help the team achieve its major objective of winning promotion to the Absa Premiership,” he said.

Ezenkosi will hope Zungu hits the ground running and the team do not feel the absence of Macuphu and Mntambo when they visit Real Kings who have also indicated their intention to storm into the top league next season.

Sono’s side trail leaders Highlands Park by two points going into the second round and will look to push their way to the top to secure automatic promotion.

Mthatha Bucks will meanwhile, hope for a better outing in the New Year after a disastrous first round saw them finish 15th – two points ahead of bottom team Ubuntu Cape Town.