Former Orlando Pirates defender Kwanda Mngonyama has found a new home. Mngonyama, who made six substitute appearances in the DStv Premiership, is one of the players released from the Buccaneers last month.
The former Maritzburg defender joined the Soweto giants at the start of last season but failed to claim a regular place. He has since found a new home with indications that he has signed a one-year deal with Swallows ahead of the new season.
The 28-year-old defender was a target for Chippa United, although he had been training with Swallows when the Soweto side started their pre-season training. Newly appointed Chilli Boys coach Daine Klate was eager to add Mngonyama as he sought to replace Veluyeke Zulu, who joined AmaZulu.
Klate’s side has since signed two experienced central defenders – Justice Chabalala, formerly with the Buccaneers and Tanzanian international Abdi Banda. They had stints with Baroka and Highlands Park before returning home.
Chippa also have Sipho Chaine, Trevor Matome Mathiane, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Sirgio Kammies, Azola Ntsabo, Aviwe Mqokozo, Khanyisile Mayo, Diego Appollis, Shaquille Abrahams, Siseko Manona, Yurrig Conwood, Zanoxolo Mduli, Namibia international Elmo Kambindu and Nkosikhona Dube.
On the other hand, Swallows have received two players – Lebohang Lesako, 23, and midfielder Darrel Matsheke, 23 — on loan from Kaizer Chiefs for the 2022-2023 season.
Matsheke struggled for game time at the Soweto giants last season, failing to make a single appearance. At the same time, Lesako, often deployed on the right wing, spent the season on loan at the National First Division side Uthongathi FC last season. He was on target once after making 22 appearances in the second tier for the KZN side.
Meanwhile, the club announced the addition of another Chiefs prodigy Thato Makua on Monday. The Birds revealed, via their social media platforms, that he had signed a two-year deal, which will keep him at the club until June 2024.
Swallows coach Dylan Kerr can deploy him in different positions. The 23-year-old can either play as a central midfielder or on either wing.
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