MATSAPHA – Amawele Director Chief Ally Kgomongwe is eyeing Mbabane Highlanders AM Captain Vusi Vilakati ahead of Saturday’s clash against the MaMkhize’s side.
The veteran defender, whose career was seemingly put on hold due to a frustrating knee injury, is heavily linked with a sensational move to the newly acquired Amawele status side. Kgomongwe’s aggressive pursuit of the player adds intense spice to the fixture against the black and white capital city giants, where Shaun ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize serves as President. The Msunduza-based outfit is racing against the clock to secure his services before the first registration window closes today.
According to a source close to the club, Kgomongwe is eager to bring in the experienced leader to bolster their backline and help them maintain their Premier League status.
Vilakati was previously part of the Inkunzi Emyama squad under the South African businessman before he stepped down. The source revealed that Amawele have already engaged Highlanders regarding the player.
Amawele Public Relations Officer (PRO) David ‘Var’ Ndwandwe confirmed the pursuit.
“Yes, it is true we want to sign Vusi, the Mbabane Highlanders defender,” Ndwandwe said, adding that they were working around the clock to finalise the paperwork before the deadline.
However, Highlanders have a different vision for their talisman under club leadership. Highlanders General Manager Richard Makhobe previously announced a temporary retirement plan for Vilakati due to his long-term injury, with the club offering to fund his coaching courses so he can join their development technical bench.
Capital city giants PRO Thabiso ‘Touch’ Manyatsi reiterated that the player was initially ruled out for the season to focus on recovery and transition into coaching.
Should Vilakati complete the shock switch to Amawele in time, he could instantly face his parent club in tomorrow’s high-stakes showdown at Somhlolo.