Loan moves give Chiefs, Sundowns and Pirates youngsters chance to shine

Several players from Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are gaining valuable first-team experience after moving to clubs in the Motsepe Foundation Championship before the start of the season.

Chiefs players making an impact

Kaizer Chiefs defenders Sifiso Timba and Xolani Cossa have become regulars at Gomora United under head coach Patrick Phungwayo.

Timba, who has generally featured at right-back for the national under-20 team, has recently been used in midfield. Cossa, meanwhile, has secured a place as the club’s first-choice left-sided centre-back.

The move represents Cossa’s first experience of professional football in South Africa. Last season, he played in the Botswana Premier League for Black Lions.

A number of Amakhosi players are also beginning to establish themselves at Hope FC. Samkelo Zwane has missed just one match since making his debut for the club against North West University in early September.

Naledi Hlongwane and Bontle Molefe made their first starts for the Cape outfit last week in the match against Midlands Wanderers.

Pheko Phago is still waiting for his first start at Hope FC but impressed during last month’s meeting with North West University. His performance suggested that a place in the starting line-up may not be far away.

At Real Native FC, Chiefs duo Ofentse Kgosana and Vicky Mkhawana were handed their first starts against The Bees last weekend. Kgosana made an immediate contribution, scoring the only goal as Real Native moved into second place behind leaders Magesi FC.

Sundowns prospects stepping up

Mamelodi Sundowns have also loaned out several young players, with Nqobani Biyela among those making significant progress.

The goalkeeper has taken over as the number one at University of Pretoria after joining the club from Sundowns’ DStv Diski Challenge side.

Aphelele Teto has continued to impress for AmaTuks, while Oarabile Booysen has been gaining important playing time, largely as a substitute, in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Sipho Ngqakabana is another Sundowns player developing in the second tier, having joined Wanderers for further experience.

Pirates pair established at Wanderers

Orlando Pirates right-back Jabu Mokone is currently the first choice in his position at Wanderers after helping the Buccaneers win the DDC title last season.

He scored his first goal for Wanderers in their 1-1 draw with Hope FC last week. Pirates team-mate Sonwabo Khumalo has also been making a strong impression at the club.

The loan spells are providing the players with regular competitive football away from their parent clubs. They could return to their respective teams next season, although their progress is also likely to attract interest from other top-flight clubs.