Mbabane Highlanders have suffered yet another blow with their new signing, Bonginkosi ‘Manyovu’ Dlamini, unlikely to be available when they kick off the season on Saturday.
Highlanders chairman Ally Kgomongwe unveiled Dlamini during the Royal AM CAF Confederation Cup earlier this month.
The speedy winger was expected to debut on Saturday against Tambankulu Callies.
However, his former club Royal Leopards, have indicated he was never cleared to play for Highlanders.
In addition, his former Angola side Sagrada Esperança of Angola, are reportedly refusing to release the TMS (Transfer Matching System) owing to a sale agreement with Leopards.
Dlamini, who moved to Angola in January from Leopards, returned in August following a contract impasse with the club. It led to the termination of his contract.
Upon his return, he opted to join Highlanders instead of his former club, Leopards.
Highlanders spokesperson Mandla Madonsela confirmed talks were ongoing to resolve the matter.
“We’re working around the clock to have the matter sorted in time for our opening game of the season,” he told Eswatini Times.
Leopards spokesperson Frank Hurube said that while talks were in progress, there was no resolution.
“We’ve met over the player for the first time. It is only now that we can talk about a possible transfer. However, we’ve not concluded anything yet,” he said.
A fortnight ago, Highlanders coach Selaotse ‘Sly’ Mosala told FARPost he had parted ways with the club.
This was after the Royal AM return fixture in Durban, which they lost 2-0 to exit the competition.
Mosala is still in South Africa while the team prepares to face Tambankulu Callies in their MTN Premier League opener at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium in Nhlangano on Saturday. Kick-off is 3 pm.
