Wits strike double coup
Vila swapped for two players and cash
BIDVEST Wits yesterday confirmed the capture of Mamelodi Sundowns duo Mogakolodi Ngele and Cuthbert Malajila, while Sibusiso Vilakazi has moved in the opposite direction.
Wits said they received a transfer fee for Vilakazi in addition to Ngele and Malajila.
The statement on their coup on the club’s Twitter account comes as Wits beef up to challenge for honours in the new season, especially the Absa Premiership title that has eluded them in the past four seasons.
“Bidvest Wits FC are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement with Mamelodi Sundowns for the transfer of Sibusiso Vilakazi to Sundowns for an undisclosed transfer fee as well as the transfers of Cuthbert Malajila and Mogakolodi Ngele to Bidvest Wits FC,” read the Twitter post. “The players involved have all agreed personal terms with their respective new clubs and the transfers are, therefore, effective immediately,” the statement said. Zimbabwean international striker Malajila told Sowetan that his move to the Clever Boys was permanent. “It is a permanent deal, but in terms of how long I have signed for, my manager [Steve Kapeluschnik] will confirm that very soon,” Malajila said yesterday. “I’m happy because this is a new challenge for me as a player, especially going to an ambitious team. I’m ready to give everything for Wits and I’m ready to die for the club.” Ngele, the Botswana international, is believed to have joined on a season-long loan deal, but neither the player nor his manager Tim Sukazi were immediately available for comment. Efforts to get Wits chief executive Jose Ferreira were also in vain as he didn’t respond to calls or text messages. Wits have also confirmed the return of goalkeeper Darren Keet who left the club in 2011. Keet was on the books of Belgian side KV Kortrijk. Meanwhile, Sundowns also took to their website yesterday to confirm the acquisition of Bafana Bafana midfielder Vilakazi, as well as that of Brazilian central defender Ricardo Nascimento and midfielder Lucky Mohomi from Free State Stars.