Arrows, Maritzburg busy in the transfer market
GOLDEN Arrows have completed contractual talks with Justine Zulu, making the Zambian international midfielder their third confirmed recruit so far.
The rebuilding club are also waiting for two little-known Latvian players, goalkeeper Pavels Steinbors and defender Ritus Krjauklis, to arrive in Durban to sign contracts and are holding thumbs that Orlando Pirates reserve striker Bongani Ndulula will change his mind about not relocating to the coast.
Moreover, new Arrows general manager of football, James Dlamini, says they need cover for leftback Mzivukile Tom.
Zulu, 23, has signed a two-season deal with “Abafana Bes’thende” after breaking free from his previous contract with a club in Cyprus, Enosis Neon Paralimni, because of financial issues. He played in Israel before that. Dlamini believes Zulu’s presence in the team will allow current Arrows midfield anchor Thanduyise Khuboni to move more forward and contribute to attacking play.
Arrows previously signed striker Stanton Lewis and central defender Ndabenhle Mthembu for coach Muhsin Ertugral’s rebuilding plans, but a deal with Pirates for Ndulula fell through.
The two clubs apparently agreed terms without the player’s approval, but Arrows hope to still get him before the transfer window closes, while Latvians Steinbors and Krjauklis, both 26, are due to arrive on July 15 after playing final assignments for their current paymasters, Metalurgs Liepaja.
“We also want cover for Tom,” said a busy Dlamini, “but because it is very difficult to get a quality leftfooted player locally, we may have to settle for an up-and-coming player from the lower divisions.”
Maritzburg United, meanwhile, have agreed terms with Zimbabwean striker Terrence Mandaza and are waiting for him to arrive for a medical. The 27-year-old is a free agent after being released by Platinum Stars, but reportedly has financial matters to conclude with the North West side before he lands in the KwaZulu-Natal capital.
The “Team of Choice” have so far recruited former Bafana Bafana winger Delron Buckley, Dutch for- ward Orlando Smeekes and attacking midfielder Mthokozisi Yende.
Like Arrows, they also have a need to bolster the leftback position.
At AmaZulu, there are a number of players on trial who are hoping to become confirmed recruits after Sifiso Vilakazi and Prince Hlela.
The players come from relegated Jomo Cosmos, Celtic and Usuthu’s feeder team, Durban Warriors.
Should they not prove to be worth signing by coach Roger Palmgren, the club will look to do outright transfers for other players elsewhere.