Siyabonga ‘Sniper’ Mtombeni’s move to Durban City FC has been put on ice, with indications that he does not feature in the new coach Eric Tinkler’s plans.
Tinkler recently arrived to take over from Khalil Ben Youssef, who the KZN club axed after three months in charge.
FARPost understands that Tinkler’s arrival has cast doubt over the deal, which had offered Mtombeni a fresh opportunity after his proposed switch to Golden Arrows collapsed.
The 26-year-old had joined Durban City as a free agent, allowing him to secure a move outside the transfer window. However, his future at the KwaZulu-Natal club is now uncertain following the coaching change.
Mtombeni had been poised to establish himself in the Betway Premiership after leaving Upington City FC, and the latest development is another setback for him. At the end of last season, Motsepe Foundation Championship Upington City released him to facilitate his move to Arrows ahead of the 2026/27 season.
A SECOND SETBACK FOR SIYABONGA MTOMBENI
Arrows offered him a contract, which he signed, but the KZN outfit did not countersign it, leaving the agreement incomplete.
This publication learned that Abafana Bes’thende had considered him as a replacement for Junior Dion, who ultimately stayed.
Having already secured his clearance from Upington, Mtombeni was left searching for another club. Durban City subsequently offered him an opportunity, but Tinkler’s reported stance has left the move in the balance.
Mtombeni had previously caught City’s attention during Upington’s 2026 Nedbank Cup campaign. He earned the Man of the Match award against City despite his side losing on penalties.
The Mhluzi-born striker has also played for Jomo Cosmos, TS Sporting and Baroka FC. He now faces renewed uncertainty as he awaits clarity on whether his move to Durban City will proceed.
But FARPost has established that he has since left Durban and is now searching for a new club.
RELATED STORY: Siyabonga Mtombeni joins Durban City after Golden Arrows setback
