Mashiane’s Siwelele move depends on administrative issues, says Mosoetsa

Siwelele FC interim coach Godfrey Mosoetsa says former Kaizer Chiefs player Happy Mashiane could still join the club, although several administrative matters must be resolved before a deal can be completed.

The 28-year-old has been training with Siwelele since the FIFA break as he looks for a new club after leaving Amakhosi at the end of last season. He spent the previous campaign on loan at Siwelele from the Soweto club but made only one appearance in all competitions while struggling for regular opportunities under then-coach Lehlohonolo Seema.

Mashiane was released by Kaizer Chiefs at the end of the season. His possible return to Siwelele would address a shortage of players on the left side following the departures of Lyle Lakay and Neo Rapoo.

Speaking to the media at the launch of the Carling Knockout Cup last night, Mosoetsa confirmed that Mashiane had already begun working with the squad.

“He started during the FIFA break. He has been training very well. There’s just a couple of things that need to be sorted out administratively, and then we will take it from there, but we cannot deny the fact that he is a very good player. He’s got PSL experience,” Mosoetsa said.

“He played for Kaizer Chiefs while he was still young, so he’s got much to offer. From the technical side, we see something that we will definitely need to take his 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.”

Siwelele have endured a difficult league campaign and face a challenging next fixture, with Polokwane City awaiting them away from home in the Carling Knockout Cup last 16.

Mosoetsa said Polokwane City’s squad contained players with the determination to compete, while praising the club’s recruitment approach, particularly its ability to identify talent from Limpopo.

“If you look at the players that Polokwane City has, it’s players who show hunger and desire to win. In terms of their scouting, they always get it right, especially with players coming from the area of Limpopo. They always come up with surprises,” he said.