Thobela Jnr’s signing by Highlands – from Alexandra Black Aces – was tweeted this week on the PSL’s Twitter page‚ OfficialPSL. He was among a host of signings registered by PSL and First Division clubs on the final day of the transfer window on Tuesday.
Highlands coach Gordon Igesund and chairman Larry Brookstone confirmed on Wednesday that Thobela Jnr has been signed and will play for Highlands’ Multichoice Diski League [MDC] reserve team.
Confusingly‚ Igesund appeared to believe the player was from Highlands’ development system‚ while Brookstone said he was not.
“He’s shown a lot of promise and I think he’s got a big future ahead of him. We’re going to give opportunities – I want to bring a lot of young blood into the squad and this is the start of it‚” Igesund said.
“He’s from our development. We want to bring players through our development. We’ve got a great system and we don’t want to put it to waste.”
Brookstone‚ though‚ contradicted his coach’s view.
“No‚ he doesn’t really come from our development. He actually comes‚ I think‚ from Black Aces’ development‚” Highlands’ chairman said.
“We signed him for our MDC team in November.
“To be very frank with you‚ I don’t know very much about the player. All that I know is that [Moroka Swallows legend] Les Grobler rates him very highly‚ because Les was his coach.
“So‚ he’s really the right person to speak to.
“The other person to ask about his background is Mario [Morfou‚ chairman of Alex Black Aces].”
ABC Motsepe League side Alex Black Aces were formed after the sale by the Morfou brothers‚ Mario and George‚ of Mpumalanga Black Aces to John Comitis in the pre-season‚ who formed Cape Town City.
Dingaan Thobela‚ the “Rose of Soweto”‚ was a holder of boxing’s WBO Lightweight‚ WBA Lightweight and WBC Super Middleweight titles.
- TMG Digital/TMG Sport
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