AS Maniema Union renew Junior interest

MBABANE – Months later, one of Africa’s giants appear not to throw in the towel with regards to the services of one of Eswatini’s biggest talents.

Reports indicate that the ‘Greens and Blacks’ have tabled over E200 000 to ‘Ingwemabalabala’ for the services of talisman Junior ‘Shisa Gesi’ Magagula. They had tabled such an offer around November last year after facing Royal Leopard in the TotalEnergies Confederation of African Football (CAF) Confederations Cup.

The interest followed the closely second preliminary round, where Maniema Union narrowly beat Leopard 4-3 on penalties to advance to the group stages. Leopard had the advantage of an away goal following a 1-1 draw in the DRC, but a second 1-1 draw at the Somhlolo National Stadium forced the inevitable shoot-out.

The high-profile transfer of Royal Leopard midfield maestro Junior Magagula to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) had earlier collapsed after Leopard and Maniema could not agree on terms. His agent in DRC-born, International Federation of Association Football (FIFA)-accredited players’ agent Alimasi ‘Adebayor’ Saleh said he was not in a position to comment until the deal was concluded.

Notably, Transfermarkt lists Magagula at E938 475, which equates to 50 000 Euros as per yesterday’s exchange rate. The versatile Sihlangu midfielder joined Leopards in 2018 from Moneni Pirates and has been a mainstay ever since. He played a crucial role in guiding the club to two league titles in 2020/21 and 2021/22, as well as contributing significantly to their triumph in the 2024/25 Ingwenyama Cup sponsored by Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF).

On the international stage, Magagula has been a regular fixture for the national team since making his debut on November 13, 2019, amassing 15 caps to date.

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