Ex-AmaZulu striker Lekata rejoins Mbabane Highlanders in Eswatini
Former AmaZulu striker Josef Lekata has rejoined Mbabane Highlanders who campaign in the Eswatini Premier Soccer League.
Highlanders have unveiled Lekata alongside four other signings—Congolese Aristote Tamuzi, Mpendulo Tfomo, Josef Lekata and Tshwarelo Bereng from Lesotho.
“Welcome to the big family!” Mbabane tweeted on Tuesday after unveiling the new signings.
The Mbabane-based team did not disclose the contract duration for the veteran striker.
Lekata returned to Highlanders two years after he parted ways with the Eswatini giants.
The 35-year-old left AmaZulu in 2013 when he asked management to terminate his contract by mutual consent.
Lekata had then told the media in South Africa that he opted to walk out on Usuthu because the coaches had told him to play for the lower league side, which was campaigning in want was called the Vodacom League.
The Eswatini side, coached by South African Seloatse Mosala, have bolstered their squad ahead of their participation in the forthcoming domestic Premier League and the 2022-2023 CAF Confederation Cup.
The domestic league in Eswatini is on an off-season break; hence Highlanders have match-fitness issues to sort out with the players.
Highlanders will face Royal AM at home on the weekend of September 9, followed by the reverse fixture on the weekend of September 16 away in South Africa in the preliminary round stage, which certainly would demand the experience of the likes of Lekata.
Highlanders recently visited South Africa for pre-season games and played against Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, losing both encounters, which took place in North West Province last month.
Mosala has since been told FARPost that his side needs to play at least a friendly with a Motsepe Foundation Championship team in South Africa, then the Charity Cup back home in Eswatini to be ready fully for the clash against the Royal AM.
The Durban-based side will represent South Africa in the continental cup, whereas Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City compete in the CAF Champions League.
However, Sundowns have been exempted from the preliminary round stage owing to their performance in the 2022 edition of the continental league after reaching the quarterfinals.