MBABANE – Eswatini clubs appear ready to break the bank to secure the services of Tabankulu Celtics gifted forward Malangeni Dlamini.
Sources close to the negotiations revealed that a rival club recently approached the player’s family in an attempt to lure him away, going so far as to deposit E250 000 in a bid to secure his signature.
However, the move was rebuffed by Celtics. It is understood that the player, who was in the last Sihlangu squad, remains committed to his current club, largely due to the prospect of a potential move abroad, which he believes makes staying at Celtics the safer option for his career progression.
When approached for comment, Celtics Board of Governors member Sebenele Hlatjwako confirmed the receipt of the E250 000 offer. “We rejected the bid because we believe the player has a bright future with us. We are actively working on opportunities for him to undergo trials abroad before the new season begins,” Hlatjwako said.
“The player is under contract, and we felt it would be wrong to allow him to join a local rival when we have a mutual agreement regarding his development.”
When asked what it would take for a local side to prise away the skilful forward—who finished as the second-highest scorer in the league last season with 14 goals—Hlatjwako did not mince his words.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
Tabankulu Celtics’ Malangeni Dlamini tries to shake off a challenge from Nsingizini Hotspurs’ Thando Langa during an MTN Premier League clash. (File pic)