KOLA IN DEMAND

MBABANE – Every cloud has a silver lining. This old adage holds for Mbabane Swallows talisman Aladeon Kola.

While the capital city giants are still licking their wounds after the CAF Champions League exit, the Nigeria-born forward is making waves across the continent and beyond. His goal scored in the 1-2 loss to Club Desportivo in the final Group D match last Tuesday was rated in the top five goals of the round by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). After a quick interchange of passes involving skipper Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze and midfielder Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu; the latter set up Kola with a defence-freezing pass. Kola showed composure in the box before swiftly guiding the ball to the far post.

The goal has been rated top five alongside strikes from players mainly from North Africa.  The players include Houssine Khoukhouche of Difaa El Jadidi from Morocco as well as Walid Azaro of Al Ahly SC from Egypt, among others. Lazarous Kambole of Zesco United, who scored a stunner in the 1-all draw with Tunisia’s Etoile, is the other player from a Southern Africa team who has made the cut. Kambole is the same player who scored a hat-trick against Swallows recently.

Footage of the goals is available for download on CAF official online platforms that include Twitter.
The recognition comes at a time when doors seem to be opening for the player from top African clubs.

Tunisian giants Club Africain, who feature prominently in Africa’s premier club competition, are among the teams that have reportedly shown serious interest.
“At Club Africain they want him for a one-week assessment with immediate effect.
“Their first window registration period has closed, but they want to assess him from next week so that he can come on board in December,” said an impeccable source.
Swallows General Manager Sandile Zwane confirmed that there was interest in the player, but said only one unnamed team from South Africa had made a formal bid. The player’s contract at Swallows was coming to an end yesterday. However, they still have an option to renew, but international offers are being prioritised at this stage.
 Meanwhile, it is the second time for a Swallows player to get recognition from CAF. In the early stages of the CAF Champions League campaign, gifted defender Mandla Palma was in the Team of the Week.

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