(At Eqinisweni Sports Ground)
MATSAPHA – Mbabane Highlanders have made a bold statement of intent ahead of the new campaign after rejecting a trio of offers for their star players.
The office of General Manager Richard Makhoba released a press statement yesterday morning confirming that two-time MTN Premier League champions Nsingizini Hotspurs had made a move for Siyabonga Mkhonto. The midfielder enjoyed a stellar campaign last season, which included a Player of the Month accolade. The club also revealed they had turned down approaches from two South African outfits for pacey winger Sphiwe Cele, as well as interest from Zimbabwe for striker Msimisi Zwane.
“The management can confirm that the club has received expressions of interest and formal enquiries for all three players,” the statement read. “Siyabonga Mkhonto attracted interest from Nsingizini Hotspurs; Sphiwe Cele received enquiries from two clubs in South Africa, while Msimisi Zwane has generated interest from clubs in Zimbabwe.”
Crucially, Makhoba’s office revealed that the players themselves had opted to pledge their futures to the capital club.
“Following these discussions, all three players have communicated their desire to remain at Mbabane Highlanders and continue contributing to the club’s ongoing project. As such, we wish to reassure our supporters, partners and stakeholders that none of the players have been transferred and all three remain an important part of our plans for the upcoming season.”
Nsingizini Chief Executive Officer Banele Ngobe could not be reached for comment at the time of publication. When pressed on the matter, Public Relations Officer Mnotfo Dlamini stated the issue fell outside his remit.
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