Midlands Wanderers chairman and coach Vincent “Masenti” Myeni has explained why they roped in a few young players, including Sonwabo Khumalo, on a permanent deal from Orlando Pirates.
Midlands are in their second season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship following their promotion from the SAFA ABC Motsepe League through the national playoffs in 2025.
The KwaZulu-Natal side survived relegation by only five points last season. And they have started the new 2026/27 season on a bad note, losing their first match of the season 1-0 to Magesi FC at home.
Club owner Myeni has always expressed his desire to develop more players to the professional ranks. This was evident when six of their players were signed by Betway Premiership side Golden Arrows at the beginning of last season.
VINCENT MYENI EXPLAINS WHY THE CLUB STILL BELIEVE IN YOUNG PLAYERS
Speaking to FARPost, Myeni explained why the club has not brought in the so-called big names. “We do not go for big-name players because it’s not part of our strategy as a club,” Myeni told FARPost.
“Our strategy as a club is that we are very passionate about football development. So we always believe, and we are still going to believe in youngsters.
“So we do not want to lose our identity and we are not going to compromise on it, we still have youngsters and we really believe in them and that is our position,” he added.
MOTSEPE FOUNDATION CHAMPIONSHIP SIDE ROPE IN EX-ORLANDO PIRATES AND MAMELODI SUNDOWNS PLAYERS
Myeni has also confirmed to this publication that Khumalo has joined the club on a permanent deal after spending six months on loan. Former Mamelodi Sundowns DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] players Sipho Ngqakabana and Thabo Nkabinde have also joined the club.
“Having said that, it goes without saying that we will most likely find youngsters without big names,” he declared.
“Of course, there was Sonwabo Khumalo who came from Orlando Pirates on loan in January. He is now permanently with us. We have Sipho Ngqakabana and Thabo Nkabinde, who were playing for the Sundowns DDC last season, just to name a few.
“We signed them to blend in because others were promoted from our academy structure to be part of the first team.”
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