BUCS SNATCH ZIKALALA! Published: Tuesday, 2014/06/17 ORLANDO Pirates are expected to unveil Philani Zikalala as their new goalkeeper, SunSport has reliably learnt. Zikalala has left AmaZulu, where he did admirably well to attract interest from Pirates. Contacted for comment, Zikalala would only say: “I am heading to Gauteng, where I have signed for one of the big clubs from Soweto. I’m not allowed to say much about my move because there are relevant people to talk to.”Zikalala’s business manager, Mzamo Manzi, said: “I’m waiting for the right person to return from overseas before I can go reveal where Philani will be playing next season.” The lanky goalie from KwaMashu has been with the Durban club for three seasons. At Pirates, Zikalala will compete for the number one jersey with Bafana Bafana keeper Senzo Meyiwa and Ghanaian Fatau Dauda, who is currently in Brazil in the World Cup. Newly promoted Absa Premiership side Chippa United have beefed up their last line of defence with the signing of goalkeeper Veli Motha. Motha played a key role to help National First Division side Baroka FC mount a serious challenge for promotion, but their efforts were not enough to win the play-offs. Delighted Chippa boss, Siviwe Mpengesi, believes having a top-class keeper of Motha’s calibre will help his side make an impact during their second spell in the top flight. Said Mpengesi: “We signed Motha this week. He is a quality player who will add value to the team. He was the first player our new coach, Kosta Papic, recommended.” The Cape Town-based side beat Polokwane City to the player, who have now failed in their second attempt to snatch him. Baroka owner Khurishi Mphahlele had warned City to follow the right channels instead of poaching a player behind their backs. The teams were involved in a tug-of-war over Motha last year, as it was alleged that he had signed a contract with both clubs. City lodged a complaint with the league and the 23-year-old shot-stopper was charged for breaching the rules. Said Mphahlele at the time: “They don’t want to come directly to us, as they prefer to talk to him behind our backs. We worked hard to develop Motha to become the goalkeeper he is today.” Meanwhile, Mpengesi is still hopeful that his side will sign former Golden Arrows striker Chris Katongo. The negotiations hit a snag after the Zambian international demanded more money than the amount agreed on initially. Explained Mpengesi: “Our CEO (Peter Koutroulis) is still negotiating with Chris and we are hopeful that we will soon agree on terms.” By: LINDA XIMBA and MAXWELL RAMARU
Posted on: Tue, 17 Jun 2014 09:06:21 +0000