New PSL side Highbury FC has shown three players the exit door just five into the new Motsepe Foundation Championship season.
The three players are former SuperSport United striker Thabiso Nkoana, ex-Bidvest Wits midfielder Phumlani Ntshangase and Mamelodi Sundowns product Abram Ngcobo, who plays a goalkeeper.
The club is currently languishing at the bottom of the table [15th place] with two points from five outings. They have lost three matches and managed to play two draws.
Highbury did not divulge the real reason for releasing the three experienced players so early into the SA second-tier campaign.
The Eastern Cape-based club secured promotion to the National First Division after winning the SAFA‘s ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs, which were held in Upington, Northern Cape, in June this year.
Highbury were crowned the 2023/24 ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs champions after defeating Kruger United of Mpumalanga 2-0 in the final at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium.
The club walked away with R1 2000 000 prize money. They won the national playoffs under the tutelage of Kabelo Sibiya, who is still the club’s head coach.
HIGHBURY FC’S OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE DEPARTURE THREE PLAYERS
“Highbury FC regrets to announce the departure of the following players: Phumlani Ntshangase, Abram Ngcobo and Thabiso Nkoana,” read the club’s statement.
“We would like to thank them for their commitment and hard work during their stay with us. We would also like to wish them well in all their future endeavours.”
It remains unclear where the trio will be heading after receiving their clearance to join any club of their choice.
Meanwhile, Highbury will be hoping to bounce back stronger as the season continues and survive the chop back to the amatuer ranks.
Highbury’s next assignment will be against Milford FC, away from home, on Saturday, 5 October 2024. The game will start at 15:30.
RELATED STORY: Highbury FC crowned ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs champions
