National First Division side, Sivutsa Stars, have released 10 players including two experienced strikers in Rendani Ndou, 26, and Rhulani Manzini, 25, who were once on the books of Jomo Cosmos.
Other names to receive the boot are goalkeeper Azwindini Maphaha, Kanetso Maloka, Mareka Mosoetsa, Leabua Lemena (all defenders) and Andile Khena, Themba Mavundla (both midfielders) as well as Njabulo Zondi and Bojosi Manjoe.
Although Ndou is the club’s top goal-scorer with three to his name and netted six times last season, Sivutsa has revealed that money issues coupled with going AWOL was the reason for his release.
“At Christmas time the guys wanted to be paid early,” communications manager Charles Nkosi told Soccer-Laduma. “But unfortunately, most only received half their salaries by December 25 before club owner, Derick Khoza, who was owed money by the government, settled everything on the 27th.
"Ndou was bitter, also confused by others. He came back from AWOL saying, ‘I want to go’ demanding his clearance. We were told he’s going to Black Leopards but he’s not playing now."
While Nkosi concludes that Manzini was "under-performing", the club has brought in three lower league players - Lamako Mpho, Samson Mbebe, Mpho Etam Mbebe, and are in negotiations with Roses United ex-captain, Mfundo Mkrola.
