Talented SA Footballers Who Are Currently Clubless In 2019
The Absa PSL transfer window opens open in a month’s time with several players still clubless, eligible to sign at any time and up for grabs. Time on the sidelines is however a stressful period as we have seen many footballers sink into oblivion or join sides in the lower leagues and failing to retrace their footsteps to the top echelons of South African football.
George Lebese
Former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns flying left winger George Lebese is a man living with regret after daring to cross the Soweto-Tswane divide in a switch from Naturena to Chloorkop.
The move to Mamelodi Sundowns did not pan out so well for Lebese who was released from his contract with Mamelodi Sundowns in August and remains clubless.
The 30-year-old is at home in Pretoria training on his own.
Speaking to Robert Marawa during an interview on MarawaTV, Lebese shared a sad story of how he is struggling to find a new club and how there is a misconception he wants big wages.
“There has been a couple of people contacting me but for me it’s been like, promises, nothing solid.” said a tearful Lebese.
What makes his situation more compelling is that he does not have an agent to front his cause and to ascertain his next destination.
Tefu Mashamaite
Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Tefu Mashamaite was last with a club in Mzansi’s top flight with SuperSport United in 2018 and has generally been unsuccessful in his bid to return to the Premier Soccer League.
Since returning from a spell with Danish team BK Hacken, his fortunes have since then plummetted heavily.
Mashamaite is one of the most well educated footballers in Mzansi as he holds a BA in International Relations and Politics from Wits and by now after failing to nail a serious deal with one of the Absa Premiership clubs, he should seriously be contemplating making full use of his academic course.
Mandla Masango
Since he officially parted ways with Danish club Randers FC at the end of his contract in June 2018, Masango has been unsuccessful in his search for a new club.
In his prime, Mandla Masango was considered one of the best players in the PSL while plying his trade with Kaizer Chiefs.
Rumours circulating on the street is that the former Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United star Mandla Masango is struggling to make ends meet of late and has had to relocate to his family home after he could no longer afford to pay the rent of his luxury apartment in Midrand.
His career is in tatters in what is one of the most spectacular falls from grace in South African football history but at only 29‚ the former Chiefs star still has much to offer.
Siphiwe Tshabalala
Siphiwe Tshabalala became a free agent after parting ways with Turkish side BB Erzurumspor though the darling of South African football is not planning on hanging up his boots just yet but instead is contemplating another move abroad despite successfully setting up a joint venture lounge (Shaye) with former Kaizer Chiefs compatriot Reneilwe “Yeye” Letsolonyane.
Shabba, 11 month tenure at Turkish outfit BB Erzurumspor was very turbulent with 19 appearances across all tournaments that came without scoring and with only single assist but his agent Jazzman Mahlakgane reveals what is in the pipeline.
“What I can reveal is that there are overseas teams which I am talking to at the moment, discussing the possibility of signing him. Most of these leagues open in December and January, he could possibly leave South Africa in December.”
Shabba, who dazzled in Bafana colours during the 2010 Fifa World Cup and netted Bafana’s first goal at the tournament against Mexico has represented Bafana in all major tournaments at his peak, playing at the Africa Cup of Nations while he was plying his trade with Free State Stars in the National First Division in 2006.
Tshabalala is one of the most successful footballers having lifted two league titles, three Telkom Knockouts, the Nedbank Cup and two MTN8 crowns at Chiefs and he was crowned the best player in South Africa by the South African Football Association in 2010.
Shabba is one of the most disciplined football cadres, an embodiment of steadfastness, motivating a lot of ageing footballers that age doesn’t matter but it’s what you can offer that counts at the end of the day.
Footballers’ Who Have Struggled To Return To SA Premier League
Tlou Segolela
Katlego Mphela
Thandani Ntshumayelo
Punch Masanamela
By Gerald Dandah
