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'Downs academy's Banele to join senior team next season

21/06/2010 00:00:00 QONDILE SHONGWE

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MBABANE – Manzini Sundowns academy youngster Banele ‘Scumama’ Vilakati is set to join the senior team when the season resumes in August.

The 18-year-old midfielder is the fifth player from the academy to join the elite league bound team. Other players are Banele Dlamini, Dumisani Thwala, Bongi Dlamini and Samu Mntshali.

The youngster will join players such as former Orlando Pirates striker Gilbert Mushangazhike, Zimbabwe’s Caps United first choice goalkeeper Mathew Sibanda and Moroccan striker Alain Tona. Other locals that have been linked with a move to the Manzini based outfit are Manzini Wanderers goalkeeper Sandile Ginindza, Mbabane Swallows midfielder Stanford Ncube and out of contract Malanti Chiefs goalkeeper Sitali Mulife.

Manzini Sundowns academy coach Penuel Malinga said they were happy to have produced yet another player for the senior teams.

"Our objective at the academy is to make sure that we produce at least one player for the senior team and we are very proud that we have managed to achieve that goal almost every season," he said.

The coach said the midfielder’s move to the senior team has already been approved by the South African born head coach Kenny Ndlazi and the team’s Management Committee (MC).

Meanwhile, Manzini Sundowns PRO Muzi Matsenjwa said they were impressed with the constant progress of the academy.

"The academy has produced high profile players to the team and we are happy to be receiving yet another for the forthcoming season," he said.

He also encouraged the team’s directors to continue supporting the academy as it was yielding good results for the team.

"I am sure it is pleasing even to our directors because it shows that their efforts to assist the academy are not in vain. Parents should also bring their children who seem to have potential in the sport so that their talent can be nurtured by people who know the job," he said.