MBABANE – Just 18 months after a potential switch to South Africa collapsed, Eswatini’s utility player Kwakhe Thwala has reportedly seen another international transfer hit a snag.
Thwala, who currently plays for Nsingizini Hotspurs, was understood to be a prime target for Zambian league runners-up Zesco United.
The Zambian side, set to compete in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Confederations Cup, had reportedly identified the 23-year-old as a key signing ahead of the new season. Sources within the Zesco camp indicated their keen interest.
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“The team had identified that player, whom we’re told is also a left-back and very mobile, as a key target to bolster their squad as they return to inter-club competitions,” an insider revealed.
“We have his countryman in (Lindo) Mkhonta in the team, who is dedicated and committed to the game, and we believe this one could also offer more as he was seen excelling during COSAFA (Council of Southern Africa Football Associations).”
Indeed, Eswatini captain Lindo Mkhonta, Thwala’s former teammate at Young Buffaloes, was said to be involved in facilitating this potential move to one of the region’s football powerhouses.
Zesco United have a history of targeting Eswatini talent, having signed Mkhonta three seasons ago.
They had also previously shown interest in Jwaneng Galaxy’s Mxolisi ‘Kudus’ Mkhonto before his move to Botswana, and attempted to sign Eswatini’s prolific goalscorer and Green Mamba Captain Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, prior to the 2024/25 season, though that deal never materialised.
However, sources from the Shiselweni-based Nsingizini Hotspurs have stated that the two-time MTN Premier League winner remains a valuable asset.
The club reportedly envisions a bright future with Thwala, who has played for them for half a season, and sees him as integral to their aspirations of conquering Africa in their maiden Champions League campaign next season.
Mnotfo Dlamini, the 2024/25 MTN Premier League Best Public Relations Officer (PRO) and Nsingizini Hotspurs spokesperson, was unavailable for comment yesterday.
Attempts to reach him by phone were unsuccessful, with his number initially ringing unanswered before becoming unreachable.
failed
This reported failed move to Zesco United comes precisely 18 months after Thwala reportedly turned down an offer to join South Africa’s Betway Premiership side Chippa United in January 2024.
The reasons behind his refusal at that time remain undisclosed.
It is worth noting, without suggesting a direct link to Thwala’s situation, that a variety of factors can cause transfers to collapse, including disagreements over payment for contracted players.
A notable example in South Africa involved Orlando Pirates player Sipho Mbule, who, while at SuperSport United, was linked with both Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Online publications reported that SuperSport United consistently placed a high valuation on him, leading to a protracted saga over multiple transfer windows. They seemed unwilling to release him easily, particularly to a direct rival.
He eventually joined Mamelodi Sundowns, but the case highlights the complexities of such negotiations.
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