MBABANE – CAF-bound Green Mamba have signalled their intent ahead of the new season.
Reports link versatile defensive midfielder Mpendulo Tfomo with a high-profile move to the Correctional Services side.
‘Inyok’eluhlazane’ are reportedly closing in on securing the signature of the 26-year-old, with an impeccable source disclosing that he could be unveiled before the end of the week.
Tfomo joined Manzini Sea Birds in July 2024 from capital city giants Mbabane Highlanders, where he spent two seasons.
During his tenure with Inkunz’emnyama, he featured in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup against the now-defunct Royal AM. Beyond his club exploits, Tfomo has earned caps for the Eswatini senior men’s national team, Sihlangu. He offers valuable tactical flexibility, operating comfortably both in central midfield and at centre-back.
Sea Birds Public Relations Officer (PRO) Thamie Cebe confirmed interest from the continental representatives, but insisted no deal has been finalised.
“Green Mamba have indeed expressed an interest in Tfomo. However, reports suggesting that the player is on the verge of joining them are far from the truth. Tfomo remains under contract with Sea Birds until 2028,” Cebe stated.
When pressed on the potential transfer, Green Mamba Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ntuthuko Dlamini maintained a tight-lipped stance.
“I cannot comment on a player, who is currently contracted to another club,” Dlamini remarked.
Should the transfer materialise, Tfomo would join a growing contingent of former Highlanders players at Green Mamba, including the likes of Peter ‘Beast’ Dlamini, Lindani ‘Rio’ Matsenjwa and Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze.
Ahead of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) campaign, Green Mamba have already been active in the market, officially confirming the arrival of former Amawele left-back Machawe Dlamini on their official Facebook page last Thursday. His addition fortifies a defensive department that boasts fewer than five natural left-backs, including the experienced Mcolisi ‘Marcelo’ Manana.
The club also unveiled former Amawele winger Hlobisani ‘Pepper’ Maphanga. Maphanga was recently spotted training with Nsingizini Hotspurs in Ulundi, sparking transfer speculation, but Green Mamba have put those rumours to rest with his signature. He joins an attacking unit that already includes wide player Kwanele Shongwe.
Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup. The Mthunzi Ginindza-led squad recently set up a pre-season training camp in Durban, South Africa, to fine-tune their tactics.
The club is expected to learn their continental opponents on Thursday, with the official draw tentatively slated for Thursday at a venue to be confirmed by CAF.
With the primary transfer registration window open until October, further additions are expected as Green Mamba prepare for a demanding campaign. A congested fixture list awaits, with the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup set to run concurrently with the first preliminary round of the CAF inter-club competition. The upcoming season will also mark the return of the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Charity Cup, with voting already underway.
Meanwhile, South African Betway Premiership side Chippa United have also bolstered their ranks for the new campaign, securing the signatures of striker Ntuthuko Mlotshwa, centre-backs Tshepang Makara and Obakhe Tshaya, and left-back Imraan Jones.
