Siwelele keen to bring Happy Mashiane back, says Godfrey Mosoetsa

Siwelele FC interim coach Godfrey Mosoetsa says he would welcome the return of utility player Happy Mashiane as the Betway Premiership club attempt to improve their difficult start to the season.

The Mangaung-based side, which has its headquarters in Johannesburg, is third from bottom in the table. They travel to face Polokwane City on Sunday, before hosting the same opponents in the opening round of the Carling Knockout a week later.

Mashiane spent six months on loan at Siwelele before leaving Kaizer Chiefs on a free transfer. He has since resumed training with the club during the FIFA break, although administrative matters still need to be resolved before any agreement can be completed.

Mosoetsa believes the versatile player could make an immediate contribution, particularly because of his experience in the Premier Soccer League.

“He started during the FIFA break. He has been training very well. There are just a couple of things that need to be sorted out administratively, and then we will take it from there, but you cannot deny the fact that he is a very good player. He’s got PSL experience; he played for Kaizer Chiefs while he was still young, so he has much to offer,” said Mosoetsa.

The coach stressed, however, that the final decision does not rest with him alone. Any move for Mashiane will depend on discussions between the club’s management and the player’s agent, with outstanding issues still to be settled.

“From the technical side, we see something that we’ll definitely need to take this team out of the woods, but it also lies with what happens behind the scenes in terms of management and his agent sorting out any other outstanding issues.”

Mosoetsa also believes the extended FIFA break has benefited Siwelele. The time away from competitive action allowed him to work more closely with his squad and gain a better understanding of his players as they seek the results needed to move up the table.

The immediate challenge is a difficult one, with Siwelele facing Polokwane City twice in quick succession. The first meeting comes in the Betway Premiership on Sunday, while the two sides will meet again in the Carling Knockout a week later.

Mosoetsa said Polokwane City’s performances and recruitment had made them a demanding opponent, highlighting the commitment shown by their players and the way they have built their squad.

“Polokwane has been doing very well. If you also look at the type of players Polokwane has, they are players who show a hunger and desire to win, as well as players who can fight for the coach. I think in terms of scouting, they always get it right, especially with the players coming from Polokwane. They utilise the area very well, so they always come up with surprises.”