Thabang Sibanyoni joins Orbit College amid Kruger United contract dispute

Striker Thabang Sibanyoni has joined Motsepe Foundation Championship side Orbit College while his contract dispute with Betway Premiership club Kruger United is being considered by the PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber.

Sibanyoni has already made his debut for Orbit College, featuring in their 2-1 defeat by Lerumo Lions at Olympia Park Stadium in the North West on the previous day.

His move comes after he reportedly took Kruger United to the PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber over a 12-month contract that he and his representatives claim he signed with the club.

Kruger United had listed Sibanyoni among their new signings and also presented him in the club’s kit. However, the club’s position is that no contract was signed.

The dispute also involves the striker’s medical. Kruger United raised concerns about the examination, although Sibanyoni’s camp has challenged the club’s claims. His agent, Themba Shabalala of TT Sports, recently discussed the matter with Soccer Laduma.

Sibanyoni’s immediate switch to Orbit College has provided him with a new club while the disagreement with Kruger United remains unresolved. His appearance for the Championship side has also prompted questions over the differing medical positions raised during the dispute.

Orbit College were relegated from the top flight before the start of the current campaign and have endured a difficult opening to life back in the second tier. They are still without a win after their first three matches, having recorded two defeats and one draw.

There remains time for Orbit College to improve their position in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, and the experience brought by Sibanyoni could prove important as they seek to recover from their slow start.

The striker already has experience of the division, having previously played for University of Pretoria and JDR Stars. That familiarity with the second tier is expected to be useful as Orbit College attempt to climb the table.

Their next opportunity to claim a first victory of the season comes against AmaTuks at Tuks Stadium on Saturday. Orbit College will be aiming to collect all three points, but face an opponent arriving with confidence.

AmaTuks beat Venda FC 2-0 in Thohoyandou at the weekend and will look to build on that result when Orbit College visit. The match will give Sibanyoni the chance to continue his new start with Orbit College as the contractual dispute involving Kruger United continues.