PHOTO: Dave Savides
THANDA Royal Zulu’s new-look squad is fully prepared for their 2014/2015 National First Division opening match against Witbank Spurs at the uMhlathuze Stadium on Saturday, 23 August, kick-off 3pm.
Amabhubesi lost a number of top stars after failing to win PSL promotion last season, including the formidable trio of Mhlengi Cele, Christopher Komane and Thabo Maselwa, to Chippa United.
Also gone are Andile Fikizolo to SuperSport United, Nkanyiso Madonsela to Golden Arrows and Siyabonga Mgoma to Amazulu.
But the side has been bolstered by new signings Jabulani Ncobeni, Innocent Maela, Sonke Ntuli, Sduduzo Dlamini, Siyabonga Mkhwanazi, Cyril Masinga, Moferefere Motumi and Isaac Paintsil.
‘We have also got rid of some players who were not up to standard and replaced them with good quality players – and we are sticking to our local youth development policy,’ said Thanda GM, Thabane Gumede.
‘In our squad of 26 we have no fewer than 12 players in the Under 23 category, and six of these are locals.
‘Head coach Thami Ngubane also has Asanda Mvalo as his new assistant and they are motivating the boys to continue our amazing 2014 run.’
The only loss Thanda suffered this calendar year was in the amazing Nedbank Cup game against the mighty Orlando Pirates, when after leading 2-0 with a couple of minutes to go, the brave lions went down in a penalty shoot-out.
However, in the first half of the 2013/14 season they had a woeful start, losing almost every game and occupying long-lasting bottom spot before they finally hit form to end mid-table.
‘It won’t happen this time; we are fit and strong and ready to pick up where we left off,’ said Gumede.
