Sunday World (South Africa)

Baroka snatch future stars

- By Sihle Ndebele

PSL outfit Baroka are looking at Varsity Football as part of their player recruitmen­t drive.

Bakgaga have signed goalkeeper Sikhumbuzo Ncube and defender Vusi Sibiya as a package after the duo propelled the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) to their second Varsity Football title in September.

Ncube and Sibiya were instrument­al as TUT emerged victorious in the tournament, especially in the final match where the Bushy Moloicoach­ed team outwitted Wits University 2-1.

Ncube is currently working his way up to the Baroka senior team as he is currently with their MultiChoic­e Diski Challenge (MDC) side while Sibiya has already notched up two appearance­s in the first team under the supervisio­n of coach Wedson Nyirenda.

The duo, whose ambition is to become household names in local football, were snapped up by Baroka simultaneo­usly last month.

“I wish to have an illustriou­s football career. The aim is to build my profile and create a legacy. I am thankful for the opportunit­y Baroka has given me,” Sibiya said.

Ncube, 21, is popular for his ball-distributi­on homogeneit­y that is similar in style to that of Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune. The Seshego, Limpopo-born, shot-stopper was optimistic he’ll graduate to the senior team soon.

“My objective is to play for the senior team. Through hard work, I know that I will not stay in the MDC for long,” he said.

Sibiya, 24, who hails from Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, is doing Bachelor of Technology in Management.

Sibiya said: “Since I am in Polokwane now I am no longer attending my classes but I study on my own. It’s not easy to juggle but I am coping.”

He signed a two-year deal with another two-year option to renew with the side.

Likewise, Ncube is also gearing up for his end-of-the-year exams. The young keeper is in his second year of a diploma in coaching and officiatin­g science.

“It’s not easy because I am now a full-time footballer but I am optimistic that my studies won’t lag behind.”

GaMphahlel­e-based

Tuesday: Polokwane City Orlando Pirates (Peter Mokaba, 7.30pm).

vWednesday: Kaizer Chiefs Black Leopards (FNB); Mamelodi Sundowns Free State Stars (Loftus), both at 7.30pm.

vvFriday: Maritzburg United v Highlands Park (Harry Gwala, 8pm).

Saturday: Mamelodi Sundowns Orlando Pirates (Loftus); Golden Arrows

Baroka (Princess Magogo), both at 3.30pm; Kaizer Chiefs Chippa United (Moses Mabhida, 6pm); Free State Stars SuperSport United (Goble Park); Bidvest Wits Bloemfonte­in Celtic (Milpark), both at 8.15pm.

vvvvvSunda­y: Cape Town City Black Leopards (Cape Town); AmaZulu Polokwane City (King Zwelithini), both at 3.30pm. National First Division

Today: Richards Bay TS Galaxy (Umhlathuze)’ Vosloorus Stadium Jomo Cosmos Ubuntu Cape Town (Vosloorus), both at 3.30pm.

vvvv

 ??  ?? Vusi Sibiya
Vusi Sibiya

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