Siwelele FC have received a major boost ahead of their clash with Chippa United after Ghanaian striker Hamza Issah received the necessary paperwork to make his debut.
Issah joined the Bloemfontein outfit on a season-long loan from Hearts of Oak but missed the opening three games of the Betway Premiership season while awaiting clearance.
FARPost has established that the 24-year-old has now received his international clearance [ITC] and work permit, making him available for selection. Issah is expected to provide the attacking threat coach Lehlohonolo Seema has been missing in the opening matches.
The former Golden Arrows coach had previously revealed that the club was still waiting for the necessary documentation to clear their new striker.
Seema has praised his attackers for consistently getting into the box but stressed that having an out-and-out striker could give his side the cutting edge to “kill off games”. Issah spent last season with Hearts of Oak, featuring in 33 league matches and scoring five goals. His arrival comes at a crucial time for Siwelele, who have struggled to convert their chances in their opening three matches.
They began the campaign with a 2-2 draw against TS Galaxy, with attacking midfielder Vincent Pule and winger Siphesihle Jeza getting on the scoresheet.
Siwelele then suffered a 1-0 defeat to Milford FC before losing 2-0 to AmaZulu FC.
The lack of a recognised goalscorer has been a concern for Seema, who admitted after the AmaZulu match that his side were creating opportunities but lacked the cutting edge to finish them. Issah’s availability could now give the coach another option in attack as Siwelele look to turn their chances into goals.
SIWELELE FC BANKING ON HAMZA ISSAH
With Issah now available, Siwelele will hope the Ghanaian can provide an immediate solution to their goalscoring problems. The Bloemfontein side host Chippa United on Tuesday at the Toyota Stadium, with Seema’s charges looking to turn the corner before the early-season frustration grows.
The club underwent a major squad overhaul during the off-season after inheriting most of its squad from SuperSport United, from whom it acquired the club’s PSL status. Last season, Seema had Chibuike Ohizu and Wayde Lekay as his main centre-forward options.
Several key players have since moved on. Ghampani Lungu, Bohlale Ngwato and Neo Rapoo, who joined Orlando Pirates, were among the notable departures. Ricardo Goss returned to Mamelodi Sundowns, while Gape Moralo joined AmaZulu FC and Nyiko Mobbie moved to Sekhukhune United.
To strengthen the squad, Siwelele brought in Issah, Shadrack Kobedi from Golden Arrows, Thabiso Sesane and Selaelo Rasebotja from Orlando Pirates, Njabulo Ngcobo from Cape Town City and Jaisen Clifford from Marumo Gallants.
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