Polokwane City are preparing to promote a promising young defender as interest mounts in current right-back, Thabang Matuludi, the Siya crew has been informed.
Sources close to the club have indicated that Owami Ndlela, a 21-year-old, is being closely monitored by Polokwane's first-team coaches and has been training with the senior team.
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An insider added that Ndlela is expected to sign a senior team contract soon and will be present with the first team full-time.
"Owami (Ndlela) is a 21-year-old right back or centre back who was playing at UMlazi Young Lions FC in the SAB league. Then he went to Moroka Swallows last season where a former Polokwane City coach/scout spotted him then recruited him to Polokwane City," said the Siya source close to the situation.
"He is currently training with the senior team. They are preparing him in case they lose Thabang Matuludi who might leave in January. There are teams that are still interested in him. Owami is like the same type of player with the same ability and endurance capacity. Polokwane City won't struggle much once they lose Thabang Matuludi in January or whenever as Owami (Ndlela) is playing regularly for their DDC team but trains with their senior team," the source added.
A second Siya source stated that the club is keen to integrate Ndlela into the first team as soon as possible, potentially featuring him in the Betway Premiership after the FIFA international break.
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"They have taken him to the first team and they want him to play as soon as possible. Coach Phuti (Mohafe) believes a lot in him and even Cole Alexander said that he is the future captain of South African football the way he plays and conducts himself. Everyone is impressed with his quality at senior team training and DDC team games. He could soon feature for the senior team after the FIFA break," the second source stated.
