Kruger United coach praises Sundowns loanee Tiwani and experienced defender Konqobe

Kruger United coach Abram Mongoya believes the arrival of Mamelodi Sundowns loanee Asekho Tiwani and former Chippa United defender Ayabulela Konqobe has strengthened his squad as the club adjusts to life in the Betway Premiership.

Tiwani, 21, joined the Village Boys on a season-long loan from Mamelodi Sundowns, while 30-year-old Konqobe signed as a free agent after leaving Chippa United at the end of last season.

The two defenders have played in one match for Kruger United so far. The club are 13th in the Betway Premiership, with four points from seven matches and a one-point cushion over the relegation zone.

Mongoya was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the 2026 Carling Knockout Cup draw, where he explained that Tiwani had been recruited to increase competition at left-back.

“I think they bring what we lacked a little bit,” said Mongoya.

Kruger United previously had only Ebrahim Seedeat available as a recognised option on the left, according to the coach.

“He gives us balance, Tiwani because we only had Ebrahim Seedeat on the left, and I believe that gave us an imbalance,” Mongoya said.

“There was no competition for him. He competes with a very experienced youngster as well.”

The coach also pointed to Konqobe’s experience as an important addition, particularly with Kruger United having suffered a number of injuries in defence.

“And Konqobe also gives the experience of being stable and giving us the defensive cover because he comes in just when we had a lot of injuries at the back,” he added.

Mongoya said the club’s injury problems had begun during pre-season and affected their preparations for their first campaign in the top flight.

“And we are just unfortunate that, like I said earlier on, the pre-season just gave us a lot of injuries,” he said.

“We recovered from that during the FIFA break and they are two good additions.”