Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit Upington City FC have secured the signing of former Siwelele FC reserve team striker Hlumelo Mandla on a short-term contract.
The skilful attacker officially joined Siwelele in August 2025 as a DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] player. Consequently, Mandla spent only five months at Siwelele before making his move to the MFC side.
The 21-year-old previously turned out for ABC Motsepe League side Zizwe United. Demonstrating a sharp eye for talent, Siwelele successfully lured Mandla to their camp last year, signing him alongside his former Zizwe United teammate, Prince Van Whye.
Although he primarily featured as a substitute, Mandla departs having made notable contributions to the Siwelele reserves. He leaves a squad that remains heavy title contenders; his former side currently sits third on the DDC log, eight points behind leaders Orlando Pirates after 15 games.
THE INS AND OUTS OF MANDLA’S UPINGTON MOVE
FARPost have been reliably informed that the 21-year-old has agreed to a one-and-a-half-year long deal with Upington City, tying him to the club until July 2027.
This will serve as Mandla’s first professional contract, as he will be trading as a senior team player at the MFC outfit.
With this signing, the Northan Cape based club intends to strengthen their attacking force as they make efforts to break into the chasing pack for Betway Premiership promotion.
Upington are currently in sixth position having played 13 matches in South Africa’s Second Division.
Despite sitting sixth, Mandla’s new team are just seven points behind log leaders, Milford. The club also stands at an advantage having played one game less than all top five teams.
Entering the fray on the business end of the campaign, Mandla prepares to hit the ground running and help his team achieve their season objectives.
Upington’s new acquisition has officially joined camp and will be available for selection in the club’s upcoming fixture. They return to the second leg of the MFC campaign with a visit to Venda Football Academy.
Mandla will be hoping make his debut appearance as the two sides prepare to lock horns this Saturday at the Thohoyandou Stadium.
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