How Maduna-Mthethwa swap deal between AmaZulu FC and Swallows collapsed

AmaZulu FC and Moroka Swallows were both on board for a swap deal involving Tlakusani Mthethwa and Siphesihle Maduna, however, the exchange didn’t materialise, here’s why.

Both clubs have been quite busy in the market with AmaZulu having made ten signings so far. Meanwhile, 15 players including Jody February [Mamelodi Sundowns loanee] left the club before the start of the season.

On the other hand, Swallows have also completed more than ten acquisitions, strengthening the squad after nearly fighting relegation in the DStv Premiership last season.

HOW MADUNA-MTHETHWA SWAP DEAL COLLAPSED?

It appears there were talks between the two sides, however, they broke down after Swallows pulled out following the appointment of Steve Komphela as a head coach. FARPost understands the new Moroka Swallows gaffer was happy to keep Mthethwa on his team.

With the deal no longer taking place, AmaZulu FC president Sandile Zungu says Siphesihle Maduna will have to fight for his place under coach Pablo Franco Martin.

“He must work hard and fight for his place. He must go out and fight,” Zungu told FARPost.

Meanwhile, as first reported by this website, Usuthu have made the tenth signing after securing the services of Yakhouba Gnagna Barry from Horoya AC. The Guinea international traveled to South Africa on Monday to join his teammates.

They’re also yet to welcome their new signing Victorien Adebayor who’s stuck in Niger due to Visa problems. Moreover, the head coach Pablo Franco Martin expressed his interest in signing Phumlani Ntshangase who’s still under assessment at the club.

PABLO MARTIN: ‘I NEED TO REINFORCE TWO KEY POSITIONS’

Last week, prior to signing Gnagna Barry, the Spanish coach said they were looking to make two more signings before the window closes. 

“Right now, we are talking to the club about that and I’m telling you from the beginning, for me I have two key positions that I need to reinforce,” he told the media.

“Once Adebayor comes, I count him as a player that we have already signed. And from there, we need to sign two players for two key positions and we’re working on that. Let’s see if it is possible for the club to sign those players. It’s clear for me that those players need to be better than the ones that we already have.”

RELATED STORY: AmaZulu FC complete 10th signing of the window