Blue Hearts can’t keep squad intact

With some of their star performers on the past season said to have attracted interest from elsewhere, Maritzburg United chairman Farouk Kaddodia has said they will consider selling should offers be made.

The likes of keeper Richard Ofori (right) and defender Rushine De Reuck are believed to have whet the appetites of Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, Kaddodia says they will try to keep everyone but would not block anyone from moving either.

“We will make every effort to keep our best players, that’s our policy,” he told the club’s website. “But we also don’t want to stand in the way of players who feel they want to advance their careers elsewhere.

“We will definitely beef up the squad. We want to have a team that is as competitive as possible and to keep on challenging, whether it’s in the cup or a strong top eight position in the league,” he added.

He said they are also looking at bringing in at least seven new players to maintain a competitive squad for next season.

“We need six or seven new players. Our squad is quite thin and you must understand that Siyanda Xulu left, Miguel Timm, Gabriel Nyoni and Yusuf Jappie are no longer part of the squad, so that has left a bit of a hole,” he said.

Kaddodia said the club’s aim now was to become a top team who compete for trophies in the top- flight. Based on their performances last season, the Blue Hearts do indeed have a chance to win at least one trophy. Over the past two seasons they have come close, having made the finals in both the Nedbank Cup and Telkom Knockout.

“We would like to cement our position every season in the top five, that is our goal. Then something can be seen for all our investment. At the moment it’s tough to attract a sponsor, but even harder when there are regular fights against relegation,” said Kaddodia.