Usuthu hijack Ngcobo transfer

STRIKER Sthembiso Ngcobo was set for a short trip across the city of gold to BidVest Wits this week but has found himself at AmaZulu instead on a one-year loan deal from Kaizer Chiefs.

At the start of the week, Ngcobo was set to move to Wits but the deal floundered on the salary terms, only for AmaZulu to move swiftly in to snap him up.

It presents Ngcobo, who turns 30 in August, with a chance to put a miserable three seasons at Chiefs behind him and win back his reputation for being among the country’s most exciting forwards.

He spent the past three seasons at Chiefs but mainly played off the bench for the club since joining them from Free State Stars in 2010. Ngcobo lost confidence when the supporters heckled him.

He will meet his teammates today when they return from a brief tour to Namibia and could play in friendlies they have planned in Johannesburg over the weekend.

He is also likely to make a first home appearance for Usuthu when they take on English giants Manchester City at the Moses Mabhida Stadium next Thursday.

Wits ’ decision not to take Ngcobo means they are still looking for a frontline striker. Takesure Chinyama has been on trial with them in Stellenbosch this week, playing on Wednesday in a training match against amateurs Glendene.

But coach Gavin Hunt said he would take some time yet before making up his mind on whether to sign the burly Zimbabwean.