ANOTHER STAR LEAVES HIGHLANDERS AS ... KHANYA OFF TO NSINGIZINI
MBABANE – Mbabane Highlanders have lost their shot-stopper to Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Latest reports suggest that the Shiselweni-based outfit, Nsingizini, are pulling out all the stops to boost their squad, ahead of competing in the TotalEnergies Confederation of African Football (CAF) Confederation Cup. The side reportedly started training for the African club competition yesterday. Reports suggest that the shot-stopper, who has been with Inkunzi Emnyana from 2018/19 MTN Premier League season, has left for the Shiselweni side. The green and white ensemble are said to have tabled an offer he could not refuse. Shabalala reportedly penned a two-year deal with the side yesterday. His contract with the capital city giants expired two days ago.
Impeccable sources shared with this publication that Shabalala was recently spotted being dropped by a car belonging to one of Hotspurs’ officials. He was purportedly seen wearing the Derrick Shiba-owned club colours. Shabalala is said to have already relocated to the Shiselweni region with his family. Earlier reports suggested that he signed a pre-contract with security forces side Green Mamba. Nevertheless, Shabalala was quick to refute those claims stating he was yet to sign with a team. When quizzed with regards to his recent move, Shabalala reluctantly responded, “I can confirm that my relationship with Highlanders is over. If any team tables a good offer, then I will take it.”
Joining
For the first time since joining the top flight league, Nsingizini finished third on the charts under Alexio Sigion’s leadership. They successfully defended the 2023 Momo Cup title.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Banele Ngobe earlier said the club would unveil players once they had concluded their transfer business. He was responding to reports circulating around, about players the club eyed securing for the 2024/25 season.
Despite Highlanders’ lacklustre performances, Shabalala has been in incredible form. His latest accomplishments include reaching semi-finals stage of the 2023/24 Ingwenyama Cup, sponsored by Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF). He also won the 2023 Bible Cup Goalkeeper of the Tournament award. Furthermore, he maintained a clean sheet against Bafana Bafana in October, last year. On October 13, 2023, they played an international friendly at the FNB stadium, which ended in a goalless draw.
Shabalala is not the only player to walk out of ‘Bull’s kraal. Defensive midfielder Mpendulo Tfomo recently left the club to join Manzini Sea Birds. Emmanuel Owuso also penned a one-year deal with rival team Mbabane Swallows. Public Relations Officer (PRO) Sibusiso Mnotfo Dlamini said he was not in a good position to comment about these reports as yet. “I am still going to get the latest updates regarding the matter,” he said.
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