Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

BUFFS JOIN RACE FOR ‘SIKHALI’

By Colisile Sacolo | 2022-08-06

SOCCER - ARMY side Young Buffaloes have joined the race to sign out of contract Mbabane Highlanders prolific striker, Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa.

Ndzinisa is said to have undergone medical check-up with the army side. The prolific forward was in great scoring form last season, attracting interest from a number of teams in the process.

Many teams from within and outside the country are after his signature.
According to sources, Buffaloes have been monitoring the situation for a while now after learning that his contract with the ‘Black Bull’ has expired.

The army side wants the striker to add firepower upfront, having finished the previous season sitting at position four. Buffaloes’ star player Sabelo ‘Saviola’ Gamedze was named top goal scorer in the previous season with 26 goals, three ahead of the second placed Ndzinisa who scored 23.

“Sikhali’ was identified as someone who can complement what the team has upfront at the moment. He can fit into the playing style because he is quick. And with striker Phiwa Dlamini injury prone, Ndzinisa becomes a very important target for the team and they will do all they can to get their man,” said the source.

The source further disclosed that Buffaloes would definitely battle to secure the services of the player. “They are aware that some other team is also after the player. Let us wait and see what eventually happens, but they want to sign him.

“But from what I could gather, the security services teams are the favourites to land him,” the source concluded. Mbabane Highlanders Public Relations Officer Madonsela said they wanted to keep the player at Highlanders. “Yes, it is true his contract with the team has expired but we still want him in the team.

“He is a great player and we will do all we can do to keep him in the team.” Madonsela said they would allow the player to choose where he wanted to play next season.

Situation

“I cannot say much about the situation because ‘Sikhali’ deals directly with the team’s top management. All I know is that we also want him to remain in the team.”

However, he said they would not stand on the way of the player if he wanted to leave.
“We have a clear policy in the team and that is not to stand on the players’ way if they want to go,” Madonsela said.

He said if ‘Sikhali’ eventually leaves, they would wish him the best of luck. Efforts to get Buffaloes Chief Executive Officer Sandile Gwebu proved futile after his cellphone rang unanswered when tried yesterday. Meanwhile, Buffaloes head coach Sabelo Mnisi said they were still waiting for a report from the elders.

“I don’t know anything about the player’s medical check-up but we are only waiting for a report from our authorities as we are about to start the new season,” he said. The former Mbombela United player is also pursued by the league’s champions Royal Leopard.

share story