Samir Nurkovic’s Registration Sparks Striker Loan Exit at SuperSport United

Serbian striker Samir Nurkovic’s long-awaited registration at SuperSport United has paved the way for the departure of Zimbabwean forward Nokutenda Mangezi on loan during the January transfer window.

Nurkovic finally made his debut for SuperSport in their 3-0 loss to Sekhukhune United on Sunday, marking the end of a three-month delay since he agreed to join the club. The hold-up in his registration stemmed from deliberations over whether his papers would classify him as a foreign player or a ‘local,’ given his eligibility to apply for permanent residence.

Ultimately, Nurkovic has been registered as a foreign player, joining the club’s foreign contingent that includes Terrence Dzvukamanja and Nokutenda Mangezi (Zimbabwe), Abubeker Nasir (Ethiopia), and Eric Mbangossoum (Chad). However, Zambian winger Ghampani Lungu has now been reclassified as a non-foreigner, freeing up one spot.

This shift has led to a reshuffling of SuperSport’s attacking lineup. Nineteen-year-old Mangezi, who was signed at the start of the season and made eight appearances, is set to join Pretoria Callies on loan in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Mangezi has struggled for game time recently, having last played in October, and now finds himself behind Bradley Grobler, Nurkovic, Dzvukamanja, Abubeker Nasir, and Tashreeq Morris in coach Gavin Hunt’s pecking order.

Of significance is Mangezi’s contract with SuperSport, which expires at the end of June. This loan move to Pretoria Callies may serve as an opportunity for the young striker to gain more game time and prove his worth before his contract runs out.

SuperSport United’s decision to bolster their frontline with Nurkovic while allowing Mangezi to develop elsewhere highlights the club’s strategic approach to managing its squad as the season progresses. All eyes will now be on Nurkovic to see how he integrates into Gavin Hunt’s plans and impacts the team’s performance in the coming months.