PSL clubs in the hunt for NFD top scorer Bhengu
IT IS only a matter of time before new Bafana Bafana callup Phumelele Bhengu makes the switch from the First Division back to the PSL.
The striker, who top-scored in the NFD with 22 goals for Thanda Royal Zulu, was on the wanted list of at least four Absa Premiership clubs, confirmed Thanda general manager Thabani Gumede.
Bhengu’s scoring exploits earned him selection to the national team for the Cosafa Cup, which kicked off this week in North West province.
“Ace is still contracted to Thanda for one more season, but if the right offer comes we won’t stand in his way,”said Gumede. “In the past we let top scorers Mhlengi Cele and Nkosinathi Mthiyane move to PSL clubs. There are Inquiries from four PSL clubs, and all of them are serious, so it’s a matter of time before he is transferred.”
Durban-born Bhengu, 25, has had a roller-coaster topflight career since he turned professional with Moroka Swallows in 2008. After he made his debut as a forward and also featured in the junior national teams as an attacker, Bhengu was converted into a winger and right back.
It stalled his career, and moves to Mpumalanga Black Aces and Chippa United were followed by a period of unemployment before he joined Thanda.
After one full season in Richard’s Bay, the man known as “Ace” blossomed as a forward. While his goals failed to help Thanda into the play-offs – they failed to qualify on the final day – Bhengu made his mark, and is back in demand.
For Thanda the slog of First Division football continues. They could even lose defender Velile Zitha, as well as coach Roger Sikhakhane.
The former has attracted the attention of three PSL sides, while Gumede has noted reports linking Sikhakhane with Chippa United.
Grant Winter ANTALYA: On a day when the South Africans went backwards, it was left to England’s Melissa Reid to hold on to her overnight lead in round three of the Turkish Airlines Ladies Open at Carya Golf Club yesterday – but only just.
“The greens have become so firm and fast that they were almost unplayable,” said the 27-year-old, who signed for a one-over-par 74 to be on 208 through 54 holes, a shot ahead of Scottish playing partner Pamela Pretswell, who was home in 72.
“Even with a wedge in your hands, you’d pitch the green and the ball would run 15 yards.
“Control was extremely difficult, which was why scores – especially in the afternoon when the sun had firmed up the greens even more – were for the most part not very good.
“I was hitting nice chips and nice putts, but the ball refused to go in,” added the four-time European Ladies Tour winner who took up golf at the age of 11 when she could no longer play football with the boys.
South Africa’s Stacy Bregman birdied two of the last three holes, also for a 74, in what she described as an “up and down” round. Tenth overnight, she is now just inside the top 20 on two-underpar 217.
“It was really tough out there, although I made one silly double-bogey. Still, 74 wasn’t a disaster considering the conditions, and a nice low round tomorrow and I could be back in the top 10. Even Laura (her playing partner, former world No 1 Laura Davies), was complaining about the greens.”
The 51-year-old Davies, after a 66 followed by a disappointing 77, hit back yesterday with a 71 that included an eagle-three at the par-5 17th.
The big-hitting English veteran hit a drive and a five-iron over the back of the green (virtually everybody’s golf balls rolled over the back), and then drained a 30-footer for the eagle.
The other three South Africans to make the cut all lost ground, Monique Smit with a 76 for 226, Nicole Garcia with a 77 for 227 and Melissa Eaton with an 80, also for 226.