Times Of Swaziland: ‘DAZZA’ FOR MATSAPHA UNITED

‘DAZZA’ FOR MATSAPHA UNITED
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BY ASHMOND NZIMA on 13/08/2017 10:16:00


MBABANE – Manzini Sundowns dazzling winger, Darren ‘Dazza’ Christie, is
heavily linked with a surprise switch to Premier League newcomers, Matsapha
United.
As the player’s contract is up with Sundowns, the ambitious National First
Division side is said to be leading the race to sign the former Sihlangu winger.
While Matsapha United insisted they were yet to show interest in the player,
well-informed insiders were convinced a move was imminent as the 32-year-old was
spotted watching Matsapha United in an away international practice match against
South Africa’s National First Division side, University of Pretoria, on
Wednesday. The spirited visitors lost the game by a solitary goal.
While the former Mbabane Swallows star was said to be in South Africa to study
an unnamed course, he made time to watch the SwaziBank Cup finalists before his
return to the country on Thursday.
“Talks are ongoing and a deal could be concluded in the next few days if
things go according to plan,” said a source.
Sundowns Chairman, Mark Carmichael, could only confirm that the player’s
contract was up, but said an agreement with Swallows was that teams interested
in the winger’s services should negotiate with the capital city giants.
“I’m not in a position to name teams interested in the services of the
player as enquiries have to be made with Mbabane Swallows.
“There is no doubt ‘Dazza’ is a quality player and we obviously like
having him,” said Carmichael.
‘Dazza’, as the player is widely known, completed a switch from Swallows to
Sundowns at the beginning of the 2014/15 campaign. His form took a noticeable
dive, but was a key player for Sundowns in the past season as he scored more
than five times in the league.
Between 2006 and 2010, he played for the Delaware Blue Hens at the United States
of America, where he was studying.
Matsapha United acting CEO, Victor ‘Mavikane’ Dlamini, who missed the trip
to South Africa, did not entertain the reports.
The player’s phone was repeatedly answered by a companion when called
yesterday as he was reported to be unavailable. The last attempt was made at
8:04pm.