MORE INTERNATIONAL INTEREST IN ESWATINI STAR: ZIMBABWE GIANTS JOIN RACE FOR ‘SIKHALI’

MBABANE – Zimbabwean football powerhouse Ngezi Platinum have joined the race for Green Mamba marksman Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa.

This publication last month reported that ZESCO United from Zambia were looking to bolster their squad with the sharpshooter’s services, ahead of the TotalEnergies Confederation of African Football (CAF) Confederation Cup. This follows the departure of their highly-rated forward Enock Jr Sakala from the club. The Zambian giants were said to have tabled a two-year deal for the former national team Sihlangu lethal striker, with his current club.

However, the team’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mandla Sibiya, recently shared with this publication that the club’s hands were tied, due to Ndzinisa’s probationary status. Sibiya emphasised that the team was actively engaging with the Correctional Services authorities, in an effort to facilitate the player’s transfer to Zesco United as best as they could. As the fiercely contested race for ‘Sikhali’ signature heats up, recent reports from well-placed sources within the Zimbabwean football community suggest that ambitious club Ngezi Platinum, under the leadership of Takesure Chiragwi, has made a bid to secure the prolific forward’s services for the upcoming season.

The potential transfer would undoubtedly prove a significant coup for the club, particularly given Ndzinisa’s impressive performance in the recently-concluded Ingwenyama Cup tournament, where he topped the scoring charts and was crowned the Player of the Tournament.“In a bid to bolster their already daunting squad, Ngezi Platinum have reportedly entered into preliminary discussions with Sabelo Ndzinisa, in which the club expressed their strong desire to make him one of their marquee signings for the upcoming season.

However, the fate of the transfer remains in the balance, as Ndzinisa, whose probation period at Green Mamba is due to expire in January, will ultimately have the final say in the matter,” the source said. When questioned on the matter by the publication, the ‘Inyoka Eluhlazane’ forward opted to remain tight-lipped on the subject, stating that his focus was solely on performing to the best of his abilities for his current club. “I’d rather not comment on the matter at this time. Right now, my sole focus is on having a successful season with my team. I don’t want to get caught up in any speculation or rumours,” he said.

Interest

Meanwhile,  Green Mamba Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mandla Sibiya said he was not yet aware of the interest from Ngezi Platinum, but only confirmed that ZESCO that had contacted the club formally about ‘Sikhali’. “Only ZESCO have come to us about Sabelo Ndzinisa,” he said briefly. Sibaya expanded on his earlier comments, expressing his hope that the striker would be able to fulfil his dream of playing football outside the country during the upcoming January transfer window. The CEO emphasised that Green Mamba take a supportive and flexible approach to player development, and would not stand in the way of any player who wish to pursue opportunities that would further their career and personal aspirations.

Ngezi Platinum are a Zimbabwean football club. They originated from Ngezi Mine and play at the newly-refurbished Baobab Stadium in Ngezi.  The club won their first-ever league title in 2023. Ngezi Platinum have made significant strides in recent years, becoming one of the top teams in the Premier League. They are known for their attacking style of play and have produced several talented players who have gone on to represent Zimbabwe at the international level. In 2017, the team won the Zimbabwean Independence Trophy, one of the country’s most prestigious football competitions.

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