January transfer window best signings
MBABANE – Quite a number of players moved in the recently-ended transfer window, as teams strengthened their squads for the gruelling second half of the MTN Premier League season.
But the question on the lips of everyone is, ‘who did the best business?’ The Times Sports Desk takes a look at some of the MTN Premier League teams that used the second window profitable.
MB. SWALLOWS
The Mbabane giants added good young players, who will give Coach Caleb Ngwenya a push for the league title. All the new players have been instrumental since joining in. Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini and Kwakhe Thwala already have goals for the capital city giants. The Swallows team has long been dominated by old players and the former Green Mamba gaffer seems to be in a special project of already planning for the future when looking at the players who have been brought into his first term in the club. Philiswa Siphephelo also looks set to make the right back his own after displaying man of the match performances in his first two games for the club and providing an assist.
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Kwakhe Mtsetfwa – Young Buffaloes Neliswa Dlamini – Manzini Wanderers Siphephelo Philiswa- Ludzeludze Killers Siyabonga Zwane – Seven Dreams
YOUNG BUFFALOES
While The Mandla Dlamin-led side lost the services of talented left back Kwakhe Thwala to Mbabane Swallows, they were quick to replace him with experienced former Wanderers and Swallows defender Vukile Khumalo, who is still struggling with fitness issues after having to shun activities of the hub giants after not being paid his salary since he signed for the maroon and white ensemble. The army side were able to find a direct replacement for Kwakhe and were able to land their top target in Madlenya sharp shooter Njabulo Maziya, who has hit the ground running, scoring twice in his debut game against Moneni Pirates.
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Njabulo Maziya – Madlenya FC
Vukile Khumalo – Manzini Wanderers
MB. HIGHLANDERS
All their business was done on deadline day, and they made surprising signings. Fabrice Mopina is a MTN Premier League proven goalscorer while Mandla Palma is a solid defender. The ‘Black Bull’ took advantage of the transfer window by signing seasoned campaigners, who have proved in the past that they can do the job when things get difficult. Palma and Mopina have fit like a glove in the star studded Solly Luvhengo-led side. Mopina was able to open his account for Highlanders in Saturday’s 2-1 away win against Madlenya FC. Palma has already played two games since arrival and has shown glimpses of the yesteryear player who won the Player of the Year accolade.
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Mandla Palma – KwaNyamazane FC Fabrice Mopina – Manzini Wanderers Bongani Manavhela-TTM (SA)
NSINGIZINI HOTSPURS
The struggling Shiselweni-based side were not to be undone, as they added quite a number of players to strengthen their side. Although some of their players have not played, but players like Tanaka Chingahara, who was signed from Red Arrows in Zambia and Neliso Myeni from Tambankulu Callies, have looked lively for the Derrick Shiba-owned side .
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Sinenkosi Dlamini-Black Swallows Tanaka Chingahara – Red Arrows
Lwazi Bhembe –Milling Hotspurs
Neliso Myeni – Tambankulu Callies
MONENI PIRATES
The Sea robbers of Moneni have really given this transfer window a good go and have signed some decent players during it. Pirates are arguably the team that went out to buy more players in the transfer window and many of the players look set to be in the plans of Coach Ikabort Masocha.
A player like Reagan Kagumbu seems to be a particularly shrewd acquisition, with the midfielder adding experience to a youthful Pirates team. Another player who looks like he will add value is Sizwe Gwebu, who is already a favourite among the Pirates supporters.
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Reagan Kagumbu –Denver Sundowns Muhle Mamba - Tambankulu Callies Sizwe Gwebu -SA
Mphumuzo Sangweni- Royal Leopard Menzi Shabangu – Royal Leopard
ROYAL LEOPARD
The police outfit was not busy in the transfer window, only signing prodigal son in Thabiso Monkenkoane and Kelvin Kunene, who both have already cemented their spots in the defending champion’s galaxy of stars.
The former Highlanders player scored on his second debut game for the side against Tambankulu Callies and was again on the score sheet in Leopard’s 3-1 win against Lubombo-based side Tambuti last Friday at the Prince of Wales Sports Ground. Edwin Matsebula also signed youngster in defensive midfielder Kelvin Kunene from Mhlambanyatsi Community, who has taken advantage of Mzwandile Mabelesa’s injury.
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Thabiso Mokenkoane – SA Kelvin Kunene- Mhlambanyatsi Community
CONCLUSION
Teams have shown to strengthen their teams in a push for the league title, which is so far being challenged by up to four teams and to go down to the wire.
Long and serving Mbabane Highlanders legend Sabelo ‘Sawa’ Gamedze also made a move to Manzini Sea Birds and the versatile player will be looking to get back to fitness after having been to the bench in the star-studded Highlanders team. looks set