Pirates In The Mix As Chase For Mtshali Hots Up
When he burst into the scene as a promising young midfielder in the colours of Orlando Pirates in 2017, Lehlohonolo Mtshali managed to earn the respect and recognition of fans with his performances. However, injuries affected the player's progress and his career failed to live up to expectations. He was then sent on loan by the Soweto giants, before being eventually released in 2020. The 28-year-old has had a good season with All Stars FC in the second tier, where he has managed to revive his career. According to well-placed sources, the player's consistent displays led to him being monitored by the Buccaneers and a few other clubs in the elite league. With Stars looking for a buyer for their Motsepe Foundation Championship status, and with Black Leopards believed to be that buyer, Mtshali is one of the players expected to leave, with interest in his services coming from no less than four clubs. The Siya crew looks at the possible options going forward for the defensive midfielder.
What The Siya Crew Has Been Told…
Orlando Pirates is one of the clubs that are showing interest in Lehlohonolo Mtshali, who has been doing well in the second tier of Mzansi football with All Stars this season. Being a Bucs development product, he was unfortunate with injuries that hampered his progress the last time he was with the Soweto giants but has since been working on his comeback and aiming to be at the top again. According to well-placed sources, initial talks have been started between Pirates and the player's representatives regarding a possible switch to the Houghton-based outfit for the midfielder at the end of the season, although they are not the only club keen on him. "Lehlohonolo Mtshali is a talented player whom Pirates know everything about as he was once on their books. The club has been following his progress and are keen on his services again. Initial talks have been started between the parties, although Pirates face competition from a few other clubs for the player's services," said a source. "Pirates have some of their players facing (an) uncertain future, and in their search of a defensive midfielder, the club has been keeping an eye on Mtshali, among other players. It's been reported that Ben Motshwari and a few other players from Pirates are likely to leave and Mtshali is one of the players that have been monitored. He is a talented player whom the club had plans about, but he was unfortunate with injuries," the source added. As confirmed by Siya sources, three other top-flight clubs have shown an interest in recruiting the player to their ranks as preparations for next season begin at most sides. "There are a few other clubs that are keen on the player and AmaZulu FC, Marumo Gallants and Swallows FC are some of them. All four clubs have made enquiries and you can expect a race for his signature at the end of the season," the source said. "The player wants to take his time before making a decision. He will see his contract end at the end of June and what he is sure about is that he will be playing in the DStv Premiership next season. It would be a dream come true for him if he goes back to Pirates as he feels that he has some unfinished business with the club," concluded the source.
What Are The Facts?
Mtshali was promoted to the Buccaneers' first team in 2017 after spending a few years in their development. He went on to feature for Jomo Cosmos, where he was initially on loan in 2019, before he was signed permanently in 2020. He joined All Stars last year on a one-year contract. With Stars chairman Lunga Ncwana having put a 'For Sale' sign on the second tier outfit, Mtshali is one of the stars likely to leave in search of greener pastures. The player's next move is dependent on him as he will be signing without being bound by the contract.
The Story Behind The Scenes
Mtshali's Agent Confirms Interest
Contacted for comment, the player's agent, Ratshibvumo Mulovhedzi, confirmed interest in Mtshali, although he wouldn't divulge the names of the clubs. "What I can tell you is that the player has had a good season with All Stars FC. I am happy for him because he is a talented player and I am not surprised that he is attracting interest. He is one of the top defensive midfielders in the country and he was just unfortunate with injuries earlier in his career. We are talking to a few clubs in the DStv Premiership about the player, although it wouldn't be a right thing to do to mention the names of the teams at this stage. This player came through the development of Pirates and was promoted to the first team from a young age and he played some games for the club. He was doing well at Pirates before being disrupted on his progress by injury. He was recommended to me by a football supporter who is a friend of mine, by the name of Chicco. I went to watch him and I was impressed. There are football supporters out there who have an eye for talent and I am encouraging other agents and coaches to listen to the supporters and they will be surprised with the knowledge they have," said Mulovhedzi.
AmaZulu Eyeing Makhaula Replacement
Indications from sources close to Usuthu are that the club is in search of a replacement for Makhehleni Makhaula and Mtshali is one of the players identified for the role. Makhaula left the Durban-based outfit in January after he was signed by Pirates and his position is yet to be filled by the team. Furthermore, changes are expected to be made at the club at the end of the season, following a disappointing season by their standards. "Lehlohonolo Mtshali is one of the players identified for a possible move to AmaZulu as the club is expected to reshuffle the squad at the end of the of the season. AmaZulu are keen to sign Mtshali and he is the player that the club has been following," revealed a source. Gallants likely to lose players For their progress in the CAF Confederation Cup, Gallants are likely to lose some of the players who have been key to their remarkable campaign in that competition. The Limpopo-based outfit has reached the semi-finals of the continental competition, where they face Young African away from home on Wednesday (10 May), and insiders have revealed that several players from the team are wanted by other clubs in Mzansi and abroad. Furthermore, Bahlabane Ba Ntwa have some of the players in their current squad in the last year of their respective contracts and Mtshali is one of the players identified to join the club for next season if all goes according to plan for the team.
Swallows Need To Rebuild After Another Difficult Season
After another difficult season for the Birds with the team sitting in the relegation zone for the better part of the campaign, changes are expected to be made to the playing personnel within the next two months. As confirmed by close sources, Mtshali is one of the players earmarked for a move to Swallows as management will be planning for a better campaign in 2023/24. Morgan Mammila, who joined the side after leaving Chippa United in March, is believed to be a big fan of the player. "Swallows will be adding a few new players to the team after their fight against relegation this season and Mtshali is one of the players that have been discussed at the club. It will all happen at the end of the season once the club is done playing," said a source.
Secret Agent
The Siya crew spoke to a top agent in SA to get their expert understanding on what's going on. For obvious reasons, the agent will remain anonymous.
"At 28, Mtshali is not getting any younger and he needs to be playing top-flight football and regularly for a player who showed a lot of promise from those years ago when he came through the junior ranks at Pirates. I would encourage whoever is handling the player's affairs to please go for the best possible deal for him. The focus shouldn't be on the money but a suitable club for the boy. He needs to be playing like he has been doing at his current club so that there could be progress. There is a lot that he can still achieve and all that he needs is a right club where his primary focus would be on playing and nothing else."
Watch This Space
In the early stages of his career, Mtshali showed a lot of potential as he quietly went about doing his job on the field and a lot was expected from him. However, injuries affected his progress and he had to start all over again and work his way up. He now knows that this is a chance for him to bounce back to the topflight after the season he has had in the second tier and by the sounds of it, he is likely to join a big club. Whatever decision will be made, it will have to be a good one for the player's future as he cannot afford any more hiccups, depending on injuries not limiting his chances of doing well this time around.
