Ruben Cloete explains why Upington City signed Mhlongo
Upington City FC team director and manager Ruben Cloete has explained the reason why they opted to sign former Polokwane City striker Joseph Mhlongo.
The Motsepe Foundation Championship side confirmed the acquisition of the 33-year-old footballer on Thursday, 19 October 2023.
Mhlongo joins City as a free agent on a one-year deal. This comes after the midfielder was shown the exit door by Polokwane City after helping them gain promotion to the DStv Premiership last season.
The striker was not the only player who was released by the Limpopo club, among the key players who helped the club to gain automatic promotion to the top flight but shown the door was veteran midfielder Mpho Makola.
During his time at the Rise and Shine, Mhlongo played 12 matches in all competitions and registered one goal in the process.
RUBEN CLOETE ON JOSEPH MHLONGO’S SIGNING
Moreover, Cloete acknowledged with delight that Mhlongo’s signing will serve as a contribution of experience the team desired since their squad is dominated by young players.
“Of course, if you look at his profile and all the teams where he has played, I think he made significant contributions, especially If you go back to when he was competing in the Motsepe Foundation championship,” Cloete told FARPost.
“We are hopeful that he can bring the same contribution to the Upington City Football Club.
“I think for us as a new club in the league, our main objective is to remain in the league. We don’t want to be involved in the relegation scramble, that’s the last thing we want.”
Cloete continued: “We don’t want to be involved in that and obviously, try to push as hard as we can. You never know, the playoff spot is still up for grabs, so that’s also the second part of our objectives.
“And for us is important that he [Mhlongo] just brings his qualities, in terms of helping the team. Also, making the team better in terms of his experience. He has been there, especially in this division. Obviously, there are some of the good habits he can bring. Especially in terms of those things rubbing off on some of the other players.
“We are much of a young team. So, we still have the majority of the ABC Motsepe League team in our team. We are still trying to improve it gradually and that’s the contribution we hope he can bring.”
UPINGTON CITY’S NEXT ASSIGNMENT
Bafana Ba Gucci will resume their league campaign against Marumo Gallants at Isak Steyl Stadium on Saturday at 15:30.
By Mashale Mpho Mabotja
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