‘CHOCCO’ FOR SEA BIRDS

MBABANE –Mbabane Highlanders are set to lose their long-serving skipper Xolani ‘Chocco’ Sibandze.

The player is heavily linked with a surprise switch to newly-crowned National First Division champions and Premier League returnees Manzini Sea Birds.

Joining the latter, it was reliably gathered, would come with a job offer for the speedy winger. He is said to have already alerted some of the team’s officials about his imminent departure, while also signing a pre-contract at the Manzini-based ensemble.

“The player is close to completing the move. He is expected to attend a job interview this week. The job offer is effective June 1, 2018,” said a well-informed insider.

Mbabane Highlanders CEO Celucolo ‘Dino’ Dlamini was said to be in a meeting for the better part of the day. When finally reached for comment on the issue last night, he referred comments to team Chairman Zweli Jele.

The latter, who could not share the expiry date of the player’s contract,  said the last time he checked ‘Chocco’ belonged to the team and had not communicated a decision to leave yet.

“We were with him and other players, officials and patrons after our last game against Vovovo on Sunday. He never said anything.
“I’m yet to learn about the developments, unless they have happened today (yesterday),” said Jele.

The player expectedly said he was yet to learn about the interest. However, he said he was yet to decide on his future.
The 28-year-old is the longest serving player at Highlanders.

He joined the team in the 2008/2009 season. He was part of the squad that won back-to-back SwaziBank Cup trophies between 2009 and 2010. He has been instrumental for the side, scoring crucial goals and spectacular free kicks.
Sea Birds Director Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane’s phone repeatedly rang unanswered. The last attempt was made at 8:14pm.

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