Durban City poised to sign former Baroka FC striker Siyabonga Mtombeni

Durban City FC are expected to announce the signing of former Baroka FC striker Siyabonga Mtombeni on Monday, despite the transfer window having closed a fortnight ago.

Mtombeni is a free agent and is set to join the reigning Nedbank Cup champions after being overlooked by KwaZulu-Natal neighbours Golden Arrows. He has already begun training with Durban City and is expected to agree a contract running at least until the end of the season.

The 26-year-old joined Arrows at the end of last season, but the club cancelled the agreement during pre-season without the forward making the move permanent.

Mtombeni attracted Durban City’s attention during last season’s Nedbank Cup, when he was named Man of the Match while representing Upington City FC against the eventual champions.

His arrival would also see him reunited with Durban City assistant coach Musa Nyatama, who worked with him at Upington City.

A source said the only outstanding matter was for Mtombeni – known by the nickname ‘Metroblitz’ – to sign his contract.

“The contract details are not yet known, as the formal signing is expected to take place today. He is expected to be unveiled by tomorrow at the latest,” the source said.

The forward joined Durban City’s training programme last week. New head coach Eric Tinkler began work last Thursday and wanted an opportunity to assess the players who had recently joined the squad.

“Mtombeni began training with Durban City last week. When new coach Eric Tinkler began work last Thursday, he wanted to assess the new players,” the source added.

Durban City have already played a friendly against Golden Arrows since Mtombeni started training with the club, and the striker featured in that match.

The proposed move would give Mtombeni another opportunity to establish himself in the top flight after his planned switch to Golden Arrows was ended during pre-season.

Durban City’s interest follows the impression he made in the Nedbank Cup last campaign, when his performance for Upington City earned him individual recognition despite his side facing the eventual competition winners. His previous relationship with Nyatama is also expected to help his integration into the squad.