Anxious times
Platinum Stars players are said to be unsure of their future as the management have not told them if they will be kept or released when the team relocates to Cape Town. Dikwena have changed their name to Cape Umoya United and confirmed the relocation. “The players are unsure of what is happening. Some even only knew of the relocation and name change through the media. They don’t know whether to go look elsewhere for jobs or stay and wait,” said a source.
Kaizer Chiefs landed a big coup when they announced that they had signed former Mamelodi Sundowns star Khama Billiat but the Naturena-based side is said to be working on bringing on board another big fish. “Management have been working around the clock to get quality players who will add value and also make the fans happy. They are on the verge of announcing another big name player who will definitely make the fans really happy,” said the source who could not give the name of the player as yet. Phakaaathi, however, understands that it could be Lazarous Kambole (above), the Zambian striker who is also on Orlando Pirates and Black Leopards’ radar.
Ayanda Gcaba (above) knew his time at Orlando Pirates had come but he still felt sad when he had to leave, sources have claimed. Gcaba thought his loan move to Platinum Stars would convince the Buccaneers coaching staff that he still has what it takes. “He was really sad to leave. He thought that the six months at Stars, where he played almost every game, would show that he can still be an asset. But he has no bitter feelings and in fact credits Micho as one of the best coaches he has ever worked with because instead of just discarding him, he sat him down and told him why they had to release him. That is something unusual in local football,” said the source.
Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Tsepo Masilela (above) is not in a “hurry” to find himself a new home after he was released by Amakhosi at the back of five seasons at Naturena. His representative, Mike Makaab, told Phakaaathi that they are waiting for the right offer for the 33-year-old. “We are not in a hurry with Tsepo and he is not in a hurry as well. He has had an illustrious career abroad, with Bafana Bafana and at Kaizer Chiefs. Unless the right career comes in and we believe that it is going to be beneficial in his career, we are not going to rush into anything,” said Makaab.