THE LATEST NFD NEWS

• Mbombela United have snapped up a talented 20-year-old defender, Thabiso Mdletshe, previously with Bidvest Wits’ SAB side, BidBoys. “He’s a tall, hard-tackling and very smart centre-back, who’s been given the nickname ‘ OJ’ because people compare his style of play to that of former Bafana Bafana defender, Mbulelo ‘ OJ’ Mabizela,” said his agent, Siya Mareke of YoBoy Management.

• Following Luke le Roux’s great performance in the U20 AFCON, which helped Amajita to qualify for the U20 World Cup, his father, Garth le Roux, the Stellenbosch FC manager, expressed delight. “I’m really proud,” he told Soccer Laduma. • With 26 goals scored in round 20, seven players still have a chance of equalling or surpassing Stellenbosch FC’s Iqraam Rayners’ total of 13, as follows: Decide Chauke - TS Sporting (nine), Mziwokuthula Zimu - Mbombela United, Waseem Isaacs - Ubuntu Cape Town ( both eight), Michael Gumede - Richards Bay (seven), Dillan Solomons - Royal Eagles, Collins Mbesuma - Maccabi FC and Jarod Moroole - Stellenbosch (all six).

• Former Ajax Cape Town midfielder, Samuel Julies, made his debut for University of Pretoria during their 5-0 hammering at the hands of high-flying Royal Eagles, while two other new signings, Thabang Chuene and Mbuso Sibisi, came on as substitutes.

• During Mbombela United’s goalless draw with Stellenbosch FC, their fitness trainer, Tumelo Khumalo, was sent off for abusive, offensive and insulting language or gestures. Similarly, midfielder Bheki Maliba saw red for two reckless challenges.

• Former Polokwane City and Free State Stars left winger, Thabang Klaas, appeared on Witbank Spurs’ team sheet for the first time this season when Siyavutha were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Uthongathi FC.