Polokwane City have made a U-turn on their decision to renew Mpho Makola and Joseph Mhlongo’s contracts.
The experienced duo joined City at the start of the year as they sought to push for automatic promotion. Their short-term contracts expired at the end of the season, and they are now free to sign for another club.
They were pivotal in the final stages of the Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign, as City bounced back to the DStv Premiership.
Polokwane City head coach Duncan Lechesa is on record as crediting the likes of Makola, Lucky Baloyi and Joseph Mhlongo for making the difference in their promotional campaign.
“It made a lot of difference to bring Makola, Baloyi and Mhlongo to lead these youngsters.”
THE U-TURN ON MPHO MAKOLA
Interestingly, when City brought Makola, the club indicated they would offer him a two-year deal if they gained promotion.
However, they have now changed their minds and decided not to extend his contract.
“They bid farewell to other players on the WhatsApp group just before they exited on Tuesday [June 4, 2023],” a club source told FARPost.
Subsequently, the 37-year-old midfielder, Makola, wrote on his WhatsApp status: “No matter how educated, wealthy, talented or cool you believe you are, how you treat people ultimately tells all. Integrity is everything. Karma.”
It is unclear why Polokwane City have changed their minds, but it is possible that they were looking to go for younger players. It is also possible they were looking to manage their wage bill.
It remains to be seen where the duo will end up, but they will likely look for new clubs. Makola is a talented player with much experience and would be a valuable addition to any team.
The former Orlando Pirates creative midfielder is good at passing and dribbling, and he is also good at set pieces.
The 32-year-old Mhlongo is an attacker who can play across the frontline. Before his move to City, he played for Swallows FC and Black Leopards, among several other teams.
The duo’s experience is sure to be missed by City, but they are confident that they can find replacements.
REBUILDING THEIR SQUAD
City recently signed Given Mashikinya, whom Sekhukhune United released. They also got Oswin Appollis from Pretoria Callies.
The Premiership returnees are currently in the process of rebuilding their squad, and they are looking to add several new players in the summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, former Kaizer Chiefs defensive midfielder Lucky Baloyi will remain at the club.
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