A South African trio including a former Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila star has signed for a European side.
Terrence Mhlongo, Njabulo Dlamini and Lebohang Matlala were snapped up by the Armenian side Nirkam FC.
Dlamini joins the Armenian outfit from Polish fourth-tier club KS Jarmuta Szczawnincy. Prior to this move to Armenia, he had been gaining experience in the lower division in Europe.
Meanwhile, Mhlongo was part of the Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila DDC side before their relegation in the 2022/23 season.
Lebohang Matlala steps up to professional football from the amateur ranks of South African side Kempton Park FC.
The agent representing the three players, Lebohang Mashishi, expressed his belief that this move to Nirkam presents a valuable opportunity for his clients to showcase their abilities in the remaining part of the current season, with aspirations for more significant prospects in the near future.
He further stated that the aim is to facilitate moves to Europe for as many young South African players as possible, thereby strengthening South Africa’s representation in top-tier European competitions.
AGENT – ‘IT’S GOOD FOR THEM & SA FOOTBALL’
“The boys have joined Nikarm FC in the Armenian 1st Liga, the NFD. They are from amateur football in SA,” Mashishi told FARPost.
“I believe it’s a big move and a big platform for the young boys to showcase their talent at such a good platform professionally in Europe.
“And hopefully with them doing well in this league for the remainder of the season, then clubs in the [Armenian] Premier League and other surrounding bigger Leagues and countries can snap them up.
“It’s good for them and their families and also for SA football because my aim is to place as many young South African players in Europe as I possibly can so that one day I will have a few players in [UEFA] Champions League and [UEFA] Europa League, you will never know. It’s a big throw of the dice.”
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