In an effort to revive his career, a former Orlando Pirates midfielder has joined ABC Motsepe League outfit, Kruger United FC.
The Mpumalanga-based club recently bought the status of Passion FC, which was playing in the South African third tier in the previous season.
Kruger United, who are aiming for Motsepe Foundation Championship promotion, have played one match this season. They beat Middlesburg United 3-0 and are second on the log standings.
They have secured the services of defensive midfielder Thamsanqa Sangweni. The 34-year-old joins Kruger United FC after being clubless since leaving Eastern Cape outfit Peace Makers FC who also compete in the ABC Motsepe League.
KRUGER UNITED’S STATEMENT ON SIGNING OF THAMSANQA SANGWENI
“Kruger United FC has signed former Orlando Pirates and Sundowns player Thamsanqa Sangweni,” the club announced on social media.
“We’re pleased to have this kind of management who assist the team time and again. It’s official, Thamsanqa Sangweni is part of us”.
The club’s PRO Arthur Shabangu says having a veteran like Sangweni will benefit the club’s youngsters.
“It’s true we have signed Thamsanqa Sangweni, the former Orlando Pirates and Sundowns player. He has arrived in Mpumalanga, Bushbuckridge in Mkhuhlu yesterday [Tuesday] and we have managed to get his clearance,” Shabangu told FARPost.
“So, Thamsanqa Sangweni is our player, he is a player of Kruger United FC starting from today [Wednesday]. He is at the clubhouse as we speak now.
“We are thinking that Sangweni is going to assist the team. Particularly in the midfield with his experience, you cannot question his experience.
“Surely, all of us know how good he is, particularly in the middle of the park. So the team needs a player like him, we need such calibre in our team to assist the team.
“Remember, we are having young boys that are not experienced. We need an experienced player who is going to assist and keep these boys moving forward.
“So we are thinking his experience will assist us a lot and with the challenge that we are facing particularly when we are attacking the opponent.”
Meanwhile, the club remained tight-lipped about the duration of the former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder’s contract. However, according to Shabangu, most players signed contracts for the current season and an option to extend next year.
SANGWENI’S AVAILABILITY FOR SELECTION
“The team manager is still busy with his registration and clearance and we are thinking that in our next game or in our next two games, you will see Sangweni playing…” Shabangu continued
“We have a game this Saturday. But I won’t confirm because it’s too early to say if he is fit…”
Sangweni will be in line to make his Kruger United debut when the club hosts Gembok Classic at Thulamahashe Stadium on Saturday,14 October 2023 at 3 pm.
Story by Mashale Mpho Mabotja
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