Former Orlando Pirates defenders Tshepo Gumede and Ntsikelelo Nyauza are training with Mpho Makola’s team, Viasport FC, in South Africa’s fourth division, the SAFA Men’s Regional League.
The duo, who are free agents, are training with Viasport as they continue their search for new clubs for the 2025/26 season.
Gumede spent the past two seasons in the Betway Premiership and Motsepe Foundation Championship with Cape Town Spurs. The experienced defender featured in 21 league matches for the Urban Warriors in the NFD; however, his efforts were not enough as the club got relegated to the ABC Motsepe League.
After being relegated from the top-flight in the 2023/24 season, Spurs were demoted for the second consecutive year when they dropped to the ABC Motsepe League in the last campaign.
NYAUZA AND GUEMEDE TRAINING WITH VIASPORT
Meanwhile, Nyauza last played in the Premiership for Moroka Swallows during the 2023/24 season, before the club sold its PSL status to Marumo Gallants due to financial issues. The 35-year-old centre-back also had a short spell with Richards Bay FC after leaving the Buccaneers, where he spent eight seasons between 2014 and 2022.
With Nyauza and Gumede seemingly finding it hard to secure contracts, they have been training with Makola’s team in Johannesburg.
Makola, who played with the two defenders at Pirates a few years ago, has allowed his former teammates to form part of Viasport. It’s unclear whether Nyauza and Gumede are looking to play for the team in the fourth division or if they are keeping fit until the duo receive offers in the professional leagues.
In addition, the presence of the experienced players could be pivotal for youngsters at Viasport who still have long careers ahead of them. In the previous season, Viasport missed out on promotion to the ABC Motsepe League after losing out in the playoffs.
Makola’s charges will be aiming to push for promotion in the upcoming season.
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