MERCURIAL Nsingizini Hotspurs attacking midfielder, Thubelihle Mavuso, is a wanted man.
South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Sekhukhune is the latest club to show interest in the star player, adding to what looks like a transfer tug-of-war alongside fellow PSL side Magesi and an unconfirmed Spanish club.
Mavuso reportedly rejected a move to Betway Premiership side Magesi in January to focus on winning the MTN Premier League with Nsingizini – a mission that has since been accomplished. The Sihlangu winger impressed the Owen da Gama-led technical team during an assessment that lasted a week.
The left-footed star was the biggest winner during Nsingizini’s end-of-season awards on Saturday, pocketing E9 000 for winning both the Most Disciplined Player and President’s Award. He also received a E3 000 Abuti Apparel shopping voucher.
“We honour Thubelihle for choosing to stay with the club despite receiving better offers in January. Life is about the decisions one makes, and we applaud him for that,” Nsingizini President Derrick Shiba said as he presented the player with his awards.
Shiba revealed that, possibly, the club will sell at least two players in the upcoming transfer window. “We have 24 players in our squad and the idea is to add at least three in key positions,” he said.
By virtue of winning the MTN Premier League, Nsingizini have secured a ticket to the continent’s premier club competition, the CAF Champions League. It is Nsingizini’s second consecutive return to continental football after participating in the second-tier CAF Confederation Cup, where they exited in the preliminary round after being walloped 8-0 on aggregate by South Africa’s Stellenbosch.
“We learnt our lessons, and we should do better this time around. Even though the CAF Champions League consists of teams with high quality, we have realised that only Mamelodi Sundowns in the southern region have the calibre and character to grind out results.
If we can avoid them, and with thorough preparations, we can get to the next round and the groups,” Shiba added. In January, the Ludzeludze-born player was viewed as a potential key signing by Magesi, who survived the dreaded relegation chop in the recently ended Betway Premiership.
