Golden Arrows midfielder Nhlanhla Zwane harbours ambitions to test himself at one of the Betway Premiership’s top clubs, with his agent, Pontsho Madumo, revealing the player’s lifelong connection to Kaizer Chiefs.
The 26-year-old has emerged as one of Arrows’ most exciting players since establishing himself at the KZN side.
Madumo of Cream Sports Management is convinced Zwane possesses the ability to compete alongside some of the country’s best players. While no concrete offer from Chiefs, Orlando Pirates or Mamelodi Sundowns has been confirmed, Madumo said the midfielder would welcome the opportunity to take the next step in his career.
The midfielder is in his fourth season with Abafana Bes’thende and has one year remaining on his contract. However, indications suggest Arrows intend to keep him long-term unless they receive a compelling offer from potential suitors.
At some point, the former JDR Stars midfielder came close to joining Richards Bay, but Arrows blocked the move as they considered him a key part of their plans.
“IF YOU GET AN OPPORTUNITY AT CHIEFS, PIRATES OR SUNDOWNS…”
“We have spoken about the links to the big clubs. He wants to go there, play and test himself alongside the big players. If you get an opportunity at Chiefs, Pirates or Sundowns, other doors can open for you. He wants the national team coach to see him because his ambition is to play for Bafana Bafana,” Madumo told FARPost.
A move to Naturena would carry particular significance for the Koster-born midfielder.
“He grew up supporting Kaizer Chiefs,” Madumo added. Interestingly, Zwane’s rise to the top-flight has not followed a conventional path. Madumo first spotted him at a tournament in the North West six years ago, when he was still operating primarily as a winger.
“He came on as a substitute in the final and scored a scorcher. He was tall, full of running and could strike the ball well. That was on a Saturday. On Monday, I took him to JDR Stars. I remember he was 20 at the time. He trained on Tuesday and signed on Wednesday,” added Madumo.
Zwane spent a season with JDR before moving to the University of Pretoria. He was used as both a winger and a striker during his spell with AmaTuks before earning an assessment at Arrows.
MANQOBA MNGQITHI’S IMPACT ON NHLANHLA ZWANE
He trained with the KwaZulu-Natal club for approximately three months, with his future still uncertain, before the arrival of Manqoba Mngqithi changed everything.
“He was still on trial. Nobody really knew him, and I don’t think the coach or management fully understood his position. When Manqoba arrived, he signed him and converted him into an eight or a 10. That was the turning point.”
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