Cape Town City have moved swiftly to replace Hugo Marques after reportedly signing Bongani Mpandle.
Marques played his last game for City over the weekend against AmaZulu before leaving after asking to be released.
The 36-year-old Angolan was unveiled by Petro de Luanda on Wednesday after completing his move to the club that knocked Mamelodi Sundowns out of the CAF Champions League last season.
City, in turn, had already recalled 30-year-old Mpandle, who left at the end of last season in frustration after struggling to get game time.
He was the third choice behind Marques and Darren Keet. But the former Maritzburg goalie has since bounced back at the club.
FARPost can confirm Mpandle guarded goals when the Citizens played a 1-1 draw against Cape Town Spurs in a friendly match played on Wednesday.
“He’s completed the move. He’s back at the club and even played on Wednesday,” a source said.
The former United FC and Bloemfontein Celtic goalie comes with lots of experience and will provide cover for Keet as they venture into Africa.
According to transfermkt, Mpandle made 72 appearances in the top-flight, with most of them coming during his time at the Team of Choice between 2016 and 2021.
His season-long stint in the Mother City did not yield any official appearances as he spent much time on the bench.
As he returns to the club, he will be hoping for better fortunes. Interestingly, Eric Tinkler has previously worked with Mpandle during his time at Maritzburg.
Tinkler’s charges have not started the season too well after only managing to collect one point.
They are currently at the basement of the table after losing three of their opening matches and drawing once.
They will be looking to start getting points quickly before venturing into the continent. City will play CAF Champions League football after finishing last season in second place.
Tinkler, who has previously been involved in the competition, knows how much it will disrupt their domestic campaign. Bearing that in mind, City will be eager to start picking wins.
