Eight new signings to light up the MTN8
Sifiso Myeni of Orlando Pirates
Here are eight signings who will be looking to make a mark at their new
clubs when the MTN8 kicks off next month…
Orlando Pirates – Sifiso Myeni
Okay, so Myeni is not a ‘new’ signing as he joined Pirates in the January transfer window, but long term injury means he is yet to make his official debut for the Buccaneers. The MTN8 presents the perfect opportunity for the former Bidvest Wits winger to – finally – announce his arrival in style.
Moroka Swallows – Felix Obada
The Nigerian winger may be the injection of youth and pace that Moroka Swallows need to go up a level and it will be interesting to see how he is deployed by new coach Zeca Marques. In his time at Maritzburg United, Obada looked like a talented but underrated player who deserved a shot at a bigger club. The Birds look a great fit for him…
SuperSport United – George Maluleka
Maluleka has unfinished business with the MTN8, having played for Ajax Cape Town in the 2009 final that they lost 6-0 to Golden Arrows and in last season’s semifinals where the Urban Warriors lost out on away goals to Kaizer Chiefs. Now back at SuperSport United, the midfielder will hope his fortunes in the tournament take a turn for the better.
Mamelodi Sundowns – Thamsanqa Sangweni
Sangweni could turn out to be the best signing of the South African winter, but he will need to hit the ground running with Sundowns if he is to establish himself amid tough competition in midfield. He’s a big-game player who could capture the imagination in the MTN8 if given the chance.
Kaizer Chiefs – Siyabonga Nkosi
Nkosi was something of a ‘Top Eight specialist’ a few years back: he starred in the Bloemfontein Celtic team that won the 2005 SAA Supa8 and then helped Chiefs win the tournament a year later, scoring on his official debut for the club in a quarterfinal victory over Golden Arrows. Making his ‘second debut’ for the Amakhosi in the MTN8 would be a fitting way to get back into the famous gold and black shirt.
Free State Stars – Rueben Thebakang
Okay, Thebakang may be the only notable signing that Stars have made so far, but he should be a good fit for the Free State side. The 24-year-old is versatile, tough and determined – three characteristics that Ea Lla Koto coach Steve Komphela most values in his players. Thebakang will hope to impress his new coach in the MTN8.
AmaZulu – Prince Hlela
Hlela set the scene alight when he first arrived on the scene for Bloemfontein Celtic in the 2010/11 season, though he fell out of favour last term. He will hope to bounce back to his best for new club AmaZulu in the MTN8, especially as he is likely to be the first choice left-back for the Durban side when the tournament kicks off.
Bloemfontein Celtic – Kurt Lentjies
Lentjies was part of the Sundowns squad when they reached the inaugural MTN8 final in 2008 (which they lost on penalties to Chiefs) though he didn’t actually make any appearances in the tournament. As for this year’s MTN8, he is likely to be a starter for Celtic as they look to upset Pirates in the quarterfinals and will be a danger man for the defending champs to keep an eye out for.
Orlando Pirates – Sifiso Myeni
Okay, so Myeni is not a ‘new’ signing as he joined Pirates in the January transfer window, but long term injury means he is yet to make his official debut for the Buccaneers. The MTN8 presents the perfect opportunity for the former Bidvest Wits winger to – finally – announce his arrival in style.
Moroka Swallows – Felix Obada
The Nigerian winger may be the injection of youth and pace that Moroka Swallows need to go up a level and it will be interesting to see how he is deployed by new coach Zeca Marques. In his time at Maritzburg United, Obada looked like a talented but underrated player who deserved a shot at a bigger club. The Birds look a great fit for him…
SuperSport United – George Maluleka
Maluleka has unfinished business with the MTN8, having played for Ajax Cape Town in the 2009 final that they lost 6-0 to Golden Arrows and in last season’s semifinals where the Urban Warriors lost out on away goals to Kaizer Chiefs. Now back at SuperSport United, the midfielder will hope his fortunes in the tournament take a turn for the better.
Mamelodi Sundowns – Thamsanqa Sangweni
Sangweni could turn out to be the best signing of the South African winter, but he will need to hit the ground running with Sundowns if he is to establish himself amid tough competition in midfield. He’s a big-game player who could capture the imagination in the MTN8 if given the chance.
Kaizer Chiefs – Siyabonga Nkosi
Nkosi was something of a ‘Top Eight specialist’ a few years back: he starred in the Bloemfontein Celtic team that won the 2005 SAA Supa8 and then helped Chiefs win the tournament a year later, scoring on his official debut for the club in a quarterfinal victory over Golden Arrows. Making his ‘second debut’ for the Amakhosi in the MTN8 would be a fitting way to get back into the famous gold and black shirt.
Free State Stars – Rueben Thebakang
Okay, Thebakang may be the only notable signing that Stars have made so far, but he should be a good fit for the Free State side. The 24-year-old is versatile, tough and determined – three characteristics that Ea Lla Koto coach Steve Komphela most values in his players. Thebakang will hope to impress his new coach in the MTN8.
AmaZulu – Prince Hlela
Hlela set the scene alight when he first arrived on the scene for Bloemfontein Celtic in the 2010/11 season, though he fell out of favour last term. He will hope to bounce back to his best for new club AmaZulu in the MTN8, especially as he is likely to be the first choice left-back for the Durban side when the tournament kicks off.
Bloemfontein Celtic – Kurt Lentjies
Lentjies was part of the Sundowns squad when they reached the inaugural MTN8 final in 2008 (which they lost on penalties to Chiefs) though he didn’t actually make any appearances in the tournament. As for this year’s MTN8, he is likely to be a starter for Celtic as they look to upset Pirates in the quarterfinals and will be a danger man for the defending champs to keep an eye out for.
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