Paper Talk: All the latest Premier Soccer League Transfer Rumours

It’s been a while since I’ve written about the local soccer scene so here is my first installment of ‘Paper Talk’. Paper Talk will be a bi-weekly column where I’ll discuss all the local transfer rumors as reported on by South African soccer publications. Hope you enjoy it and feel free to give feedback….

New Sundowns Coach:Hristo Stoichkov

Patrice Motsepe spotted with new coach Hristo Stoichkov
The guys from Soccer-laduma claims to have spotted Mamelodi Sundowns president Patrice Motsepe dining with the club’s new coach Hristo Stoichkov in a Sandton restaurant. No deal has been signed yet but it is understood that Stoichkov will be taking over the reigns at Sundowns after being recommended to the club by Barcelona! Stoichkov played for Barcelona as a left-winger and won the European footballer of the Year award in 1994 and according to Soccer-laduma negotiations with Sundowns are in an advanced stage.

Zito Ogbonna set to become an Urban Warrior
New Ajax Cape Town coach Muhsin Ertugal reportedly looking at bringing former Kaizer Chiefs striker Zito Ogbonna to the Urban Warriors, this is according to kick-off. Mabhudi Khenyeza has made it clear that he will under no circumstances be working under Ertugal, which means that the club will need a striker to fill the void left by last season’s top goal scorer, and Ertugal has earmarked the big Nigerian as an ideal replacement. The player’s agent has revealed that they are looking for a PSL club for Ogbonna and the player has expressed an interest in working with Ertugal again.(Kick-off)

Masibuzane Zongo impresses at White Hart Lane
Soccer Laduma is claiming that SuperSport United’s talented left winger Masibuzane Zongo, has impressed the folks over at Tottenham Hotspur after recently having trials at the London club. Zongo caught the eyes of scouts after staring for United during Daine Klate’s absence due to injury and now he reportedly left Tottenham’s scouts in awe with his runs and telling crosses. This would be a major move for young Zongo if he pulls it off!

Mbesuma training with Swallows
Former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns has been spotted training with Moroka Swallows! The big man had a season-long spell with Sundown’s but the Brazilians failed to offer him a new contract after the season ended. The Zambian striker has now been spotted at Swallows by the Siya Crew (Soccer-Laduma) but there has been no confirmation on whether or not he has signed with the Dube Birds. Swallows has released Sandile Ndlovu and could be looking at Mbesuma as his replacement up front.

Khenyeza in high demand
Ajax’s want-away striker Mabhudi Khenyeza is apparently a man in demand after announcing that he wants to leave Ajax. Locally Sundowns are leading the chase for his signature after tabling a bid for him, but it looks like a move overseas will be more likely with teams from the Middle East having shown a strong interest in securing his services. The player himself says that he’s willing to play anywhere as long as he doesn’t have to work with Ertugal, and that his agent is handling everything. (Soccer-Laduma)

Sandilands set to sign for Chiefs
Platinum Stars goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands looks set to complete his move to Kaizer Chiefs this week, according to both Kick-off and Soccer-Laduma. The 25 year old joined Stars from Supersport United four seasons ago and is expected to become Itumeleng Khune’s back-up keeper after Emile Baron’s departure to SuperSport United. He player expressed his excitement at possibly joining Chiefs next season.

Sundowns determined to get Eduardo
It appears as if Mamelodi Sundowns are determined to secure the services of Ajax Cape Town’s Brazilian centre-back Eduardo Ferreira. Their first offer for the defender was turned down by Ajax but Sundowns will reportedly be returning with a new and improved offer for the player who has made t clear that he wants a move to a bigger club. Soccer-Laduma also reports that Eduardo has been fined by the Urban Warriors for reporting two days late for pre season training.

Finally, here are some other rumours making headlines…..

• Bloemfontein Celtic looking at signing Pirates’ Tembile Kanno, Lindokhule Mkhananzi and Excellent Walaza (Kick-off)
• Hans Vonk will sign a 1 year contract with Ajax from Dutch club Heerenveen. (Kick-off)
• Ryan Botha will remain at Moroka Swallows after Julio Leal’s exit from the club. (Soccer-laduma)
• SuperSport United’s Bonghani Khumalo looks destined for a move overseas after interest from Macabi Haifa (Soccer-Laduma)

Till next week…