SOCCER – Sihlangu and Nsingizini Hotspurs utility player Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala has impressed at Zimbabwean champions Scottland.
The highly rated defender is currently undergoing assessment at Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions Scottland, with negotiations over a move to Harare between the two teams having already begun.
Thwala is the most valuable player at MTN Premier League champions Nsingizini, according to transfermarkt.com, valuing him at 75 000 Euros, approximately E1.4 million.
The defender is under contract with Nsingizini until June 2028. Over the years, he has demonstrated versatility, playing as a left back, left wing back and defensive midfielder. In recent weeks, the former Mbabane Swallows star has also been tracked by Mozambique side Costa do Sol. South African Betway Premiership outfit Durban City recently made inquiries about the defender.
“The player has impressed and negotiations between his club and Scottland have already begun. It did not take long for him to show what he is capable of and the technical team has given management the green light to negotiate a deal,” a source in Zimbabwe said.
Meanwhile, Nsingizini president Derrick Shiba confirmed in an interview with Observer Sports on Saturday, after watching his team lose narrowly to Swallows at the King Sobhuza II Stadium, that at least three exits were expected at the club during the current January transfer window.
While disappointed with the result, the club boss indicated that developments off the pitch were moving swiftly, particularly regarding Thwala, Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane and Uganda-born striker Joel Madondo.
Although Shiba did not disclose the finer details of the negotiations, he admitted that the outlook was encouraging.
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“There will be departures in the team and this includes our three players who are currently out of the country doing some assessments with certain clubs. At this stage the deals look positive and we expect clarity within the next 72 hours,” he said.
Shiba also revealed that Nsingizini were already planning for life after the possible exits, noting that the club intends to reinforce its attacking department. However, he remained tight-lipped about potential signings, though unconfirmed reports suggest that Tabankulu Celtics marksman Malangeni Dlamini will be joining the Hluthi-based side during the current window.
Dlamini’s switch is said to be imminent according to Nsingizini insiders, with an announcement expected at any time this week. The Celtics forward has scored 10 MTN Premier League goals in 14 matches so far this season.
Scottland, Thwala’s potential new club, have meanwhile announced Peter Ndlovu and Norman Mapeza as members of their technical team.
“Ndlovu is the new Scottland team manager, taking over from Tawanda Chidzidzi, who has been elevated to the position of vice chairperson,” read a social media report.
Both Mapeza and Ndlovu previously captained the Zimbabwe national team, popularly known as the Warriors, during their playing careers.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Premier League rookies Newboys Hardrock are targeting another Nsingizini player, striker Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane. ‘Masoso’ is currently in Kwekwe for assessment by the Kelvin Kaindu-coached side.
On paper, Hardrock already boast a potent attack that includes Zambian striker Andrew Phiri, 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Soccer Star of the Year and Golden Boot winner Washington Navaya, as well as Central Region 2025 Soccer Star of the Year and Top Goal Scorer Wilfred Madzungu, who netted 25 goals.
