Share

Loan players prove their mettle

accreditation
PSL trophy (File)
PSL trophy (File)

Why is it that players on loan excel at their temporary homes?

Prince Nxumalo is a shining example of a player who has already proven his worth at “new” club Ajax Cape Town.

Deemed surplus to requirements by SuperSport United, the 25-year-old striker was deservedly the Absa Premiership player of the month for August after his august start for Roger De Sá’s side.

Last season, Thabiso Nkoana, also from United, hit the ground running at Ajax.

Known for their confidence in youngsters, Ajax have ­already unleashed Ndiviwe Mdabuka, who ironically was in their junior ranks before going to Vasco Da Gama. If his few games are anything to go by, supporters are in for a treat from the 24-year-old midfielder, who reminds people of a young Clifford Ngobeni.

The reunion of Gavin Hunt with Elias Pelembe and Daine Klate has already yielded results for Bidvest Wits. The trio worked together at SuperSport United a few seasons ago. They have already settled well at Wits and Hunt will pin his hopes on them to deliver the title.

Those who thought the departure of former Chiefs captain Tefu Mashamaite would leave a void in the team’s defence were made to eat humble pie, as Siyanda Xulu fits like a glove and already has a goal to his name.

Many never realised Hélder Pelembe’s predatory instincts in front of goal until his move to Celtic. The Mozambican has been a horseman of the apocalypse since his loan move from Orlando Pirates and has finally been getting game time. He introduced himself to the Siwelele faithful with a thunderous shot – an early contender for goal of the season – that ­Itumeleng Khune could not stop.

Struggling to play at Mamelodi Sundowns, a move to Golden Arrows has already paid dividends for Rodney Ramagalela.

The former Black Leopards goal poacher has a point to prove after spending most of his time warming the bench at Sundowns. He is off to a good start with a goal in his first game.

Although many might see Dean Furman’s move to SuperSport United as a step backward, the Bafana Bafana midfielder should relish the chance of playing in front of his home ­supporters. He knows that a good showing for United will open doors for him to return abroad.

But there are those who have made suicidal moves. They might find out the hard way that the grass is not always greener on the other side.

From being Cape Town All Stars’ top scorer, Luvuyo Memela is poised to warm the bench at Pirates. The 27-year-old ­finished third on the NFD top goal scorers’ charts, behind Phumelele Bhengu, who has moved to SuperSport United, and Charlton Mashumba of Jomo Cosmos. But looking at Bucs’ strike force, he could be in for a rough ride.

A fortnight ago, Nazeer Allie could do nothing to help his new club, Bidvest Wits, when they were knocked out of the MTN8 Cup by his former side, Ajax. Allie was an unused sub and this might be his permanent seat when Siyabonga Nhlapo returns from suspension.

After getting no joy from SuperSport United, where he was on a loan move, Lerato Manzini returned to Celtic but now finds himself at Chippa United, with a hope of resurrecting his once-promising career. This could be his last gasp.

It came as a shock when Bongani Ndulula joined Chiefs from AmaZulu. Probably the thought of going down with Usuthu was too hard to fathom, hence the decision to join Amakhosi. But this does not look like a good move, especially considering the hard-to-please Chiefs supporters. He will soon feel the pressure that comes with playing for a big club.

Although Thabang Matuka wanted to move closer to home from Maritzburg United, he might find life difficult at Celtic.

Daniel Cardoso and Camaldine Abraw have not kicked the ball for Chiefs, but the jury is already out for them. While Abraw is caught in a tug of war between Chiefs and Celtic after signing two contracts with both sides, Cardoso is out with an injury.

Where will he play after he recovers? Xulu and Mathoho have made a solid start in the heart of the defence while ­Morgan Gould has also recovered from injury.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you believe that the various planned marches against load shedding will prompt government to bring solutions and resolve the power crisis?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes
21% - 103 votes
No
79% - 395 votes
Vote