DESPATCH’s professional soccer ace Siyabonga Nontshinga is on the verge of signing with Maritzburg United who are in the Absa Premier League, after Jomo Cosmos gave him permission to leave the team.
After Cosmos were relegated at the conclusion of the season this past weekend, United showed an interest in securing the player for the 2012-13 PSL season. Maritzburg finished 11th on the log.
Cosmos spokesman Lucky Mhlathe said yesterday United were keen on signing the 25-year-old Nontshinga.
"He’s got permission to leave Cosmos and to join another team. But the move has to be professionally done,” Mhlathe said.
"The deal between Jomo Cosmos and United is not sealed yet but it could be finalised soon,” he said.
The move could give Nontshinga a further opportunity to prove his talent in South Africa’s top-flight next season.
"I’m not in a position to comment about this matter because the negotiations between Bra J [Jomo Sono] and United are in an advanced stage.”
Nontshinga also said he could only confirm details after the deal was concluded.
It has been a long journey for Nontshinga since his days as an amateur for Despatch Pioneers. He was spotted by Mlungisi Ngubane while playing for Uitenhage’s Mazi Millions and moved to Durban to join Nathi Lions (now Atlie FC) in the 2005-06 season.
He returned to Port Elizabeth to pursue his professional football career at Bay United, but was whisked away by Sono to Cosmos upon the club’s return to the Premier League this season.
He received his first Bafana Bafana cap against Ivory Coast in an international friendly played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium last year.
Ironically, if Maritzburg United move their headquarters to Port Elizabeth, as speculated, Nontshinga could resume his professional career in his home province.
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