SOCCER – MTN Premier League champions Nsingizini Hotspurs have generated over E1.5 million from the transfer of players during the current window.
The club has accepted offers for left back Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala, striker Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane and Uganda-born striker Joel Madondo, with all three players completing moves outside of the country.
Thwala and Simelane have joined Zimbabwean clubs, while Madondo has secured a move to South African side Richards Bay F.C.
Thwala has joined Scottland, the reigning champions of the Zimbabwean league, in a deal valued at US$50 000. At the current exchange rate of 16.64, the transfer is worth approximately E823 000.
Simelane has moved to Zimbabwean league newcomers Hardrock for US$40 000, which converts to about E650 000.
The combined value of the two Zimbabwean transfers brings Nsingizini’s earnings from the deals close to E1.5 million.
Thwala has already travelled with his new club for a pre-season camp in South Africa.
Confirming the transfers, Nsingizini Chief Executive Officer Banele Ngobe said the club had accepted the offers from the foreign sides and the players would be released.
He, however, declined to comment on the figures, saying they were between the parties involved.
“We have accepted the offers and the players will be released. As a club, we believe we are the perfect platform for players to use to reach the next bigger stage of their careers. Exporting players is good and will help our football, especially the national team,” Ngobe said.
Thwala’s move follows a period in which the defender was undergoing assessment with Scottland.
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The utility player, who can operate at left back, left wing back and in defensive midfield, impressed during his time with the Harare-based side, prompting negotiations between the two clubs.
According to Transfermarkt, Thwala was Nsingizini’s most valuable player, with a listed value of 75 000 euros, approximately E1.4 million. He was under contract with Nsingizini until June 2028.
Before the deal was finalised, Thwala had also attracted interest from Mozambique side Costa do Sol, while South African Betway Premiership club Durban City had made enquiries.
Scottland have since announced changes to their technical team, with Peter Ndlovu appointed team manager and Norman Mapeza included in the technical setup.
Simelane’s transfer to Hardrock comes after the striker travelled to Zimbabwe for assessment with the Kwekwe-based club, which is coached by Kelvin Kaindu.
Hardrock already have several established attacking players on their books, including Zambian forward Andrew Phiri, Washington Navaya and Wilfred Madzungu.
Madondo’s move to Richards Bay F.C comes after the striker also travelled to South Africa for assessment, with the Betway Premiership side deciding to secure his services ahead of the second half of the season.
On Saturday, Nsingizini President Derrick Shiba confirmed that departures were expected during the January transfer window.
He identified Thwala, Simelane and Madondo as players who were out of the country undergoing assessments.
Shiba indicated at the time that clarity on the negotiations was expected within 72 hours and that the club was planning for life after the exits.
Nsingizini have also been linked with Tabankulu Celtics striker Malangeni Dlamini, who has scored 10 MTN Premier League goals in 14 matches this season, although no official announcement has been made.
