Wits signed Sweswe

Sweswe now on Wits books

Bidvest Wits has gone all out to disappoint Black Leopard by signing their main target former Kaizer Chiefs Thomas Sweswe.


After all the landings about the Zimbabwean international Thomas Sweswe signing for Black Leopard, the move has fallen throughout the negotiations after Wits managed to sign the player from  Kaizer Chiefs.  

 It has been confirmed by Wits CEO, Jose Ferreira, that Sweswe have signed a two – year deal after the player agrees term and conditions with the club.

Leopard spokesperson, Tendani Thidiela, was confidence that Sweswe will sign for them after their meeting with the player.

"We held fruitful talks with him [Sweswe] and I am certain he will sign a contract with the club. I can confidently say that 90% of the deal is complete and things will be finalised next week,” Thidiela says.

The arrival of the two Bafana Bafana palyers, Siboniso Gaxa and Morgan Gould, caused Sweswe the favour at Amakhosi. However, the player will get opportunity to partner with former Bafana Bafana captain OJ Mabizela if not Aaron Mokoena.

The latest on the PSL transfers.

Big signings by under-dogs

PSL clubs have gone all out to strengthen their squads for the up coming season. The so called small teams are now competing the so called big teams for players.

 SuperSport United have beat their arch-rival Mamelodi Sundowns on the services of Ajax Cape Town midfielder George Maluleka. 

The Bafaba Bafana international is expected to move to Tshwane based club in a swap deal that will see Mabhuti Khenyeza moving the other way.

Maluleka have confirmed that his interest is with Matsatsantsa rather than The Brazilians.   

“SuperSport showed the interest first. When Sundowns came I had already committed myself to joining SuperSport," Said Maluleka.

However, The Urban Warriors managed the whipe their tears by bring the former Platinum Stars striker Bradly Grobler on board. Ajax signed Bradley Grobler on a four-year deal from Turkish club Göztepe.

The Bafaba Bafana international says he is looking forward to be part on Urban Warriors family as he was also attracted to the team

 "I have always admired how Ajax Cape Town played their football. Their professionalism and European training methods attracted me to the club. I am looking forward to a long and successful time at Ikamva," he says

Among other new PSL signings, Kurt Lentjies joins Bloemfontein Celtic from Maritzburg United. On the other hand his former team, Maritzburg United has signed Delron Buckley and Mthokozisi Yende.

Nengomasha signs three-year Wits deal

Veteran Zimbabwe midfielder Tinashe Nengomasha's contract with Bidvest Wits is for three years.
Nengomasha signed for Wits at the weekend after his departure from Kaizer Chiefs, but the details of his deal have been kept under wraps.

Nengomasha's representative Glyn Binkin confirms that the player has signed for three years, and is expected to join his new teammates this week when Wits start pre-season.

Armed with a big budget this year Wits have been muscling their way in the transfer market.

They have already signed Tlou Molekwane, Matthew Pattison, Ayo Oluwafemi, Thokozani Mshengu, and are strongly linked with Aaron Mokoena, as well as Lizo Mjempu.

Orlando Pirates new signings

 Okonkwo is back at Pirates

Dr Irvin Khoza have announced this morning that they have signed  six players that include Ayanda Gcaba, Khethowakhe Masuku, Patrick Phungwayo, Aubrey Ngoma and Manti Moholo.

Phungwayo, 24, has joined the club from Wits and will join up with his former teammate, Sifiso Myeni. Masuku, as reported previously, agreed to join Pirates from Black Leopards, while Gcaba and Moholo, both 26, will move to the Buccaneers from Free State Stars.

Among other new signing, Orlando Pirates have confirm that they have signed  Nigerian midfielderOnyekachi Okonkwo. The player said he is delighted to be back at Orlando Pirates,  and  described a club as being 'close to his heart'.

"This is a club which has been very close to my heart; even when I was playing overseas I always kept contact with the chairman [Irvin Khoza] to find out how he and the club were doing."

"I am really looking forward to playing my first game in front of the Pirates supporters. I enjoyed playing in front of them because they were always there when I needed the support," Okonkwo concludes

Chiefs part away with Nengomasha

The end of the road for Nengomasha at Naturena

Kaizer Chiefs have announced that they will part way with the Zimbabwean international Tinashe Nengomasha, when his contract expire at the end the month.

The veteran signed for Amakhosi in 2002 and represented the club 324 times, winning back-to-back titles between 2003 and 2005, and a number of cup competitions.

The club boss Mr Kaizer Motaung paid tribute the “GENERAL” for his commitment and loyalty to the club.

“I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Club to thank Tinashe Nengomasha for the contribution he has made to the Club since joining us as a youngster back in 2002. From the first day he came to the Club he was someone you knew you could trust and would never let you down on the pitch,” said Motaung

Meanwhile, the 29-year-old Nengomasha has expressed his gratitude and multitude to the club fans that supported him throughout his stay at the club.

“I am grateful to the club and the management for giving me an opportunity to come here. I would also like to thank the fans in the manner in which they welcomed me to the club. I will always have good memories of the time I have spent at Naturena. We fought so many battles together and the fans were always behind the club”

After parting ways with Tinashe Nengomasha, Kaizer Chiefs look set to swoop on Bidvest Wits' Lehlogonolo Masalesa.  Masalesa's contract with Wits expires at the end of this month.

One of our sources from the Chiefs camp has informed the media that will definitely sign for the club if his move to Portugal based club - Sporting Lisbon, where he had trials last season, doesn't materialize.

“The club has agreed personal terms with the player. However, there is the possibility of the boy going to Portugal, hence the delay in putting his signature on paper. However, if his move to Sporting Lisbon doesn't materialise, he is definitely joining Kaizer Chiefs next season.” Said our source

Chiefs came on top for Mathoho’s signature

Mathoho is now part of gold and black family

After a long run Kaizer Chiefs have managed to won the signature of Bafana Bafana defender Mulomowandau Mathoho from Bloemfontein Celtic, over Mamelodi Sundowns.

It have been confirmed that Mathoho hhave sign a three year agreement with the Naturena based club - Amakhosi – after the player reject Celtic’s plans to sell him to Sundowns.

Celtic chief executive Khumbulani Konco confirmed Mathoho had written a letter to the club saying he preferred to sign with Chiefs rather than Sundowns, even though Phunya Sele Sele had reached an agreement with the Chloorkop side.

“We did receive a letter from Mathoho whereby he indicated he wanted to join Chiefs. But we have been talking to both clubs (Chiefs and Sundowns). We spoke to Bobby (Motaung) this week and there’s some progress,” Konco said.

A source from Amakhosi camp, who didn’t want to be named, confirms that the player is now in the gold and black family, “the deal is done – the player is ours.”

Mathoho’s manager, Tim Sukazi, confirmed that the defender, nicknamed Tower, would leave Bloemfontein only for Amakhosi.

“We learnt with shock that Sundowns officials were camping outside the house of Mathoho’s parents in Venda, trying to convince them to sway him to their stable.

‘‘The boy wants to play for Chiefs. He told Celtic expressly that he won’t go to Sundowns. I’m confident they will grant him his wish because surely nobody would want a disgruntled player in their camp,” Sukazi said.

Mathoho who played in his third international cap in Bafana victory against Gabon last Friday, formed an impenetrable defensive partnership with Morgan Gould, who has also signed for Chiefs.

Bafana to play Samba boys

Bafana will be involved in a high-profile friendly

Bafana Bafana will play Brazil in a friendly match in September after the two countries since met at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, on June 25, 2009 in the Fifa Confederations Cup, which the Samba boys won 1-0.

The match will form part of a symbolic hand-over from the previous to present hosts of the Fifa World Cup – South Africa hosted the 2010 Fifa World Cup, while Brazil will host the tournament in two years' time.

Safa CEO Robin Petersen, announced that they have just received the final confirmation, however the venue has yet to be confirmed, but could be announced by the end of the week.

“We are very delighted to announce that we have just received the final confirmation, because we have been working on this match for the last six months.” said Petersen

Safa have cancelled plans for an August friendly, meaning this will likely be the first game in charge for either Steve Komphela or Gordan Igesund, depending on who is handed the Bafana reins.

“To us this is a big coup, considering it will probably be the first official match for the new Bafana Coach, whom we will announce at the end of this month,” he added

Other confirmed matches for Bafana Bafana include an away trip to Poland on October 12 and another game against African opponents at home on October 16. They will also play Zambia in the annual Nelson Mandela Challenge on November 14.

A NEW HOME FOR MANQELE

Sundowns won the war over Chiefs

Former Free State Stars forward Manqele has signed a three year deal with over spending Mamelodi Sundowns, which has a two-year option.

After Mangele Speak out in the public media that Chiefs is his first choice, it was thought that Amakhosi will win his signature over The Brazilians. However, it appears that The Brazilians have managed to turn his head and it can now be confirmed that he will be wearing the yellow and green of Sundowns next season.

Mangele says he is happy to have signed for a team of Sundowns caliber and looking forward to play alongside players like Katlego Mphela, Teko Modise and company.

 “Playing alongside such players will have a positive effect on my own personal game. I know there's been a lot of speculation about my move from Free State Stars and I'm really happy to be a Sundowns player finally,”

Also, the former Former Free State Stars striker's agent, Karabo Mathang, confirmed that the player had definitely signed for The Brazilians side after the two parties come to the agreement.

"Yes I can confirm that Manqele has signed for Sundowns but I can't go into details about the whole deal. What I can confirm is that he has signed for Sundowns."

Khumalo to leave White Hart Lane

Bafana Bafana defender Bongani Khumalo could be playing his football in Greece next season.

The former SuperSport United captain has endured a frustrating time since leaving Tshwane last year for England, where he signed with Tottenham Hotspur.

He spent time on loan at Preston North End and Reading, and his chances of regular first team action at White Hart Lane next season again looks unlikely, despite the recent sacking of manager Harry Redknapp.

There was talk of a possible return to South Africa, but it now seems Khumalo could find himself in Greece next season, with PAOK Thessaloniki the likely destination.

The player’s agent, Glyn Binkin, was non-committal when approached on the matter " We are exploring a number of options in respect of Bongani at the moment, but I cannot divulge the names of any clubs at the moment until such time as we have something more concrete.”

Chansa Leaves Bucs!

 

Chansa off to China

Orlando Pirates have confirmed that they have sold their Zambian international midfielder, Isaac Chansa, to a Chinese club- Henan Jianye FC!

Chansa was linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs, among others, recently but the club has just confirmed on their official website that the player has been soldto Henan Jianye FC.

Lack of regular game time has been the player’s problem at Pirates, which lead to his desire to ply his trade elsewhere.

The Zambian international still had a season to run on his contract with the double-treble champions.

Henan Jianye, who finished 13th in the Chinese Super League last season, are the team that Chansa's international teammate, Chris Katongo, plays for. The move will also mean that he could be taking on the likes of Dider Drogba and Nicolas Anelka next season.

Leopards to strengthen their squad

Leopards to sign DR Congo midfielder

Black Leopards are close to signing St Eloi Lupopo midfielder Djunga Munganga as they look to bolster their squad for the new season.

The DR Congo star, who netted against Lidoda Duvha in their CAF Confederation Cup tie in March, has arrived in the country and is undergoing a final assessment by coach Sunday Chidzambwa.

But it appears that it is just a formality that he will be brought on board, according to club spokesman Tendani Thidiela.

“He is here for a final assessment, but he will be signed, I have no doubt,” Thidiela told SuperSport.com. “He will add great value to the squad and I believe he could have a big impact on the PSL.”

Djunga netted a fine goal in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup tie with Lupopo, powering home the ball from the edge of the area as his side lost 4-2 in Giyani.

All PSL transfers – so far

The so called “BIG” and “SMALL” signing in PSL

PSL teams have been signing players to strengthen their squads of the up coming season. Take a look at all the PSL transfers so for!

Ajax Cape Town

In: Koen van de Laak (free agent), Sici Shelembe, Nathan Gertse and Brandon Adams (Vasco da Gama, return)
Out: Brett Evans (released)

AmaZulu

In: Sifiso Vilakazi (Wits), Prince Hlela (Celtic)
Out: Nhlanhla Khuzwayo (Chiefs), Thamsanqa Sangweni (Sundowns), Stanton Lewis, Moses Chavula (both released)

Bidvest Wits

In: Matthew Pattison (free agent), Ayo Oluwafemi (free agent), Thokozani Mshengu (Celtic), Mark Haskins (Cosmos, return)
Out: Sifiso Vilakazi (AmaZulu), Timothy Batabaire, Patrick Phungwayo (both free agents)

Unconfirmed: Lizo Mjempu (Pirates), Aaron Mokoena (released, Portsmouth, England)

Black Leopards

Out: Khethowakhe Masuku (Pirates), Kingston Nkhatha (Chiefs), Posnett Omony, Luyolo Mapolisa (transfer listed), Davi Banda, Thabang Maluleke, Sandile Leping, Siphiwe Mkhonza, Benedict Vilakazi, Edward Tshabalala (released)

Bloemfontein Celtic

In: Auguston Leonard (Swallows, permanent), Siyabonga Nontshinga (Cosmos), John Arwuah (SuperSport)
Out: Ransford Osei, Moses Spandeel, Siyabonga Mbatha, Luyanda Hlongwa, Bevan Fransch, Cecil Oerson, Ezenwa Otorogu (all free agents), Phenyo Mongala (Pirates, return), Buhle Mkhwanazi, Papi Zothwane (both Sundowns, return), Prince Hlela (AmaZulu), Thokozani Mshengu (Wits), Clifford Mulenga (SuperSport)
Unconfirmed: Lyle Lakay (SuperSport), Erick Mathoho (Chiefs, Sundowns)

Free State Stars

Out: Mxolisi Gumede, Aleni Lebyane, Manti Moholo (all free agents), Daniel Agbagwu (released)
Unconfirmed: Ayanda Gcaba (linked with Pirates and Sundowns), Edward Manqele (linked with Chiefs and Sundowns), Manti Moholo (linked with Pirates)

Golden Arrows

In: Stanton Lewis (AmaZulu)Out: Robyn Johannes, Clifford Ngobeni, Katlego Mashego (Pirates, return), Siyabonga Nkosi (Chiefs), Elrio van Heerden (free agents), Stephan Loboue, Helton da Rocha, Siphelele Mthembu (released), Andre Petim (Ajax, return), Anthony Mawejje (IBV, Iceland, return)

Kaizer Chiefs

In: Sakhile Hlongwa (Ethekwini Coastal FC), Morgan Gould (SuperSport), Nhlanhla Khuzwayo (AmaZulu), Siboniso Gaxa (Lierse, Belgium), Siyabonga Nkosi (Arrows)
Out: Dominic Isaacs, Steven Ncanana, Dominic Mateba, Siyabulela Songwiqi, Brent Lawler, Thela Ngobeni, Kabelo Metsimetsi (all released), Tlou Molekwane, Lucky Khune (transfer listed), Gerald Sibeko (retired)
Unconfirmed: Thomas Sweswe, Brian Amidu (linked with moves to Leopards), Mthokozisi Yende (to be released)

Mamelodi Sundowns

In: Buhle Mkhwanazi (Celtic, return), Tebogo Langerman (SuperSport), Thamsanqa Sangweni (AmaZulu), Mumuni Abubakar (New Edubiase, Ghana)
Out: Papi Zothwane, Tshepo Ramokala (both free agents)

Maritzburg United

Out: Felix Obada (Swallows)

Unconfirmed: Kurt Lentjies (Ajax)

Moroka Swallows

In: Felix Obada (Maritzburg)
Out: Auguston Leonard (Celtic, permanent)

Orlando Pirates

In: Mbongeni Gumede (Sivutsa Stars, return), Mduduzi Nyanda, Lucas Thwala, Chiukepo Msowoya (Platinum Stars, return), Robyn Johannes (Arrows, return), Siyabonga Zulu (Blackburn Rovers, return), Khethowakhe Masuku (Leopards), Thabo Rakhale (Sivutsa Stars), Takesure Chinyama (Dynamos, Zimbabwe)
Out: Boubacar Talatou, Lizo Mjempu, Getúlio Vargas, Luis Boa Morte (all released), Patrick Malokase (Platinum Stars, permanent)

Unconfirmed: Tokelo Rantie (loan return to IFK Hasselholm imminent)

Platinum Stars

In: Patrick Malokase (Pirates, permanent), Mogakolodi Ngele (Township Rollers, permanent), Thabani Mthembu (Young Mates), Joseph Mkalipa (Witbank Spurs, return)
Out: Solomon Mathe, Mbhuyiselo Sambu, Nathan Paulse, Terrence Mandaza, Tshifhiwa Mmbooi (all free agents), Tshepo Moloto (transfer listed), Eugene Etame Soppo, Mohamed Chicoto (both released), Mduduzi Nyanda, Lucas Thwala, Chiukepo Msowoya (all Pirates, return)

Santos

Out: Warren Bishop (released), Matthew Pattison (free agent)

SuperSport United

In: Bevan Fransman (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), Clifford Mulenga (Celtic)
Out: Tebogo Langerman (Sundowns), Morgan Gould (Chiefs), John Arwuah (Celtic), Glen Salmon (retired), Dipsy Selolwane (free agent)

University of Pretoria

In: David Radebe (United FC), Warren Bishop (released, Santos)
Unconfirmed: Koketso Mmotong, Tshepo Ramokala (Sundowns), Ofentse Nato (Gabarone United, Botswana), Vincent Kobola (Cosmos), Aubrey Ngoma (Pirates)

Nkosi back in Naturena

Nkosi: Rejoining Chiefs was first preference

New Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siyabonga Nkosi feels he has 'unfinished business' at the club.

As KickOff.com exclusively revealed over a week ago, Nkosi is back for his second spell in Naturena, after spending just a season (2006/07) at Chiefs before moving to German side Arminia Bielefeld in 2007.

The 30-year-old says as soon as he heard of Chiefs' interest he turned a blind eye to the other clubs' interest.

"My contract with Golden Arrows was coming to an end in June, so my representative Josiah Mpono told me that there were a few clubs that had shown interest on my services.

"He also mentioned that Chiefs had also enquired – I told him on the spot: 'focus on Chiefs'. Rejoining Chiefs was my first preference," Nkosi tells the club's website.

The Newcastle midfielder admits that he is surprised at the fans' reaction to his return, saying he wasn't aware that the fans would welcome him back.

"I was never aware that so many people wanted to see me return to the club. I am really surprised in the manner people, the fans, have reacted to the news. It is really been exciting to meet fans on the street and wishing me and the team well in the new season.

"I was here the last time and I always felt that I have unfinished business here. I wanted to walk that journey again as I only spent a season there last time. There was a strong feeling to complete the journey I had started.

"As a fan I have always wanted to see the club winning the League and I am glad now that I have been given an opportunity to contribute to the success of the club," Nkosi adds.

Bafana Bafana star in English clubs books

English clubs interested in Jali

Bafana Bafana midfielder Andile Jali is set to leave Orlando Pirates, with clubs in England weighing up bids for the 22-year-old.

Jali was linked with a move to an unnamed Bundesliga club last week but KickOff.com can reveal that the Premier League now looks his more likely destination.

Agent Paschalis Tountouris of Prosport International admits that there is real interest in signing the former AmaTuks player and believes Jali has played his last game for The Buccaneers after helping them win two successive PSL Trebles.

"I think he will be leaving," Tountouris tells KickOff.com. "There is interest from England but we have to be very careful which kind of club he chooses.

"We are looking for the best place for Jali to go because it's important that the first move to Europe has to be successful. He would like to go to Europe but only to the right club."

Jali has a contract with Pirates that expires in 2014, meaning that any interested clubs would have to make a sizeable bid to lure him away from Parktown.

At present, he would not meet the strict requirements for a UK permit, having not started enough competitive games for South Africa, but that is unlikely to be a major problem given his status as an emerging star.

 

Aaron Mokoena to leave Portsmouth for Bidvest Wits

‘Mbazo’ set to sign for Wits

Former Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena is on the verge of completing a move back home with Bidvest Wits.

The 31-year-old defender, South Africa’s most capped international, will leave cash-strapped English side Portsmouth, having also played for Ajax Amsterdam and Blackburn Rovers.

“Various clubs wanted to talk to him but Aaron is very interested in getting back and being part of the exciting project at Wits,” agent Paul Mitchell of Siyavuma Sports tells BBC Sport.

“Everything is agreed in principle so it's just a matter of sorting things out with Portsmouth.”

Mokoena becomes the second high-profile player to return to South Africa, with Benni McCarthy having been a revelation at Orlan

Key Bafana players are cut off the squad

Bafana Bafana caretaker coach Steve Komphela has released five players from the squad that will face Gabon in an international friendly on Friday.  

The clash will take place at the Mbombela Stadium and Kicks off at 20h30.

 

Captain Steven Pienaar, striker Katlego Mphela, midfielders Oupa Manyisa and Thanduyise Khuboni as well as defender Bongani Khumalo have all been allowed to go home.

 

The players left after the squad’s training session on Monday evening.

 

"We are left with one match, having played two already. Initially we called-up a big squad because we had three back to back clashes and wanted to have cover in various positions in case of injuries. We have seen what the five that we released can give us, and now this is a chance to have a look at other players," said Komphela.

 

"At the same time we also had to reserve some respect to the opposition and not make wholesale changes to our squad. We still need continuity and we believe the players that are remaining will provide the needed balance to tackle Gabon on Friday."

 

Bafana departs for Nelspruit on Thursday.

 

The full Bafana Bafana squad to face Gabon:

 

GOALKEEPERS: Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Wayne Sandilands (Mamelodi Sundowns),  Darren Keet (KV Kortrijk FC, Belgium)

 

DEFENDERS: Morgan Gould (Kaizer Chiefs), Erick Mathoho (Bloemfontein Celtic), Punch Masenamela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Anele Ngcongca (Racing Genk FC, Belgium), Siboniso Gaxa (Kaizer Chiefs), Siyanda Xulu (Mamelodi Sundowns)

 

MIDFIELDERS: Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs), Teko Modise (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lebohang Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Andile Jali (Orlando Pirates), May Mahlangu (Helsingborg FC, Sweden), Thulani Serero (Ajax Amsterdam, Netherlands), Mzikayise Mashaba (Free State Stars) 

 

STRIKERS: Siyabonga Nomvete (Moroka Swallows), Tokelo Rantie (Orlando Pirates), Eleazar Rodgers (Santos), Lehlohonolo Majoro (Kaizer Chiefs)

  

Gabon is expected in Nelspruit on Wednesday.

 

The full Gabon squad: Didier Ewono Ebang, Anthony Mfa Mezui, Emmanuel Ndong Mba, Edmond Mouele, Ecuele Manga, Remy Ebanega Ekwa, Henry-Junior Ndong, Stevvy Nzambe, Charly Moussono, Merlin KoumbaTadjigora, Cedric Boussougou Moubikou, Franck Engonga Obame, Robert Nsimbi, Alexandra Ndoumbou, Guelor Kanga, Levy Madinda, Landy Jerry Obiang Obiang, Branger Engone, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Judex Soumouna Lipoukou, Romaric Rogombe, Allen Nono, Axel Meye Me Ndong, Romuald Ntsitsigui

  

Coach: Paolo Duarte 

Bafana Bafana squabbles

Thulani Serero limped off from training with a groin injury at the University of Botswana stadium

Thulani Serero

 

GABORONE, Botswana - Interim Bafana Bafana coach Steve Komphela has confirmed that forward Thulani Serero will not be available for the team’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Botswana in Gaborone on Saturday.

Serero limped off from training with a groin injury at the University of Botswana stadium on Friday.
“I still need to get proper feedback,” Komphela said. “I have not met with a doctor, but what I do know is it’s a problem with the groin.” 
The coach, however, said all the other players in the squad were fit and ready for the match.
Earlier, Bafana began their final preparations ahead the match with a training session.
Bafana arrived in Botswana on Thursday afternoon, with a number of interested local spectators in the stands.
The team went through their training routine in clear and warm conditions