Vandala U-turn as AmaZulu move collapses and midfielder rejoins Sekhukhune United

Mncedi Vandala has re-signed for Sekhukhune United after his proposed switch to AmaZulu FC fell through just weeks after he was unveiled as one of their new recruits for the 2026/27 season.

The 29-year-old midfielder had been presented by AmaZulu earlier this month as part of a seven-player intake ahead of the new campaign, but sources now say the deal has broken down, clearing the way for his return to Sekhukhune.

According to those close to the negotiations, AmaZulu were unable to secure the necessary clearance for Vandala, leading to the collapse of the move and prompting Sekhukhune to step back in.

A source told the Siya crew: “Scara Vandala is back at Sekhukhune United. The deal with AmaZulu didn’t go ahead after the club experienced issues with getting his clearance. He’s signed a contract with Sekhukhune, and he’s already in Johannesburg to link up with the team on their way back from winning the Mafori Cup in Limpopo over the weekend.”

The latest twist comes after earlier reports that Sekhukhune believed they retained first option on the player following his departure to Magesi FC.

First-option row behind the scenes

Vandala had initially joined Magesi FC from Sekhukhune after Babina Noko agreed to part ways with him to facilitate that transfer. There was, however, an understanding between the clubs that Sekhukhune would have the opportunity to bring him back in the future.

That arrangement became central to the uncertainty surrounding his subsequent move to AmaZulu. As previously reported by the Siya crew, Sekhukhune were thought to be unhappy with how Vandala’s proposed transfer to the Durban side unfolded, particularly in light of their belief that they should have had priority in any deal.

Despite that backdrop, AmaZulu went ahead and unveiled Vandala as one of their new signings for the upcoming Betway Premiership campaign, apparently signalling the start of a new chapter for the midfielder in KwaZulu-Natal.

Clearance issues derail AmaZulu plans

The announcement appeared to settle his future, but the transfer has now been abandoned, with issues around his clearance understood to have prevented AmaZulu from finalising the move.

Those complications ultimately opened the door for Sekhukhune to act. Vandala has now signed a new contract with Babina Noko and is expected to slot straight back into Lehlohonolo Seema’s preparations for the new season.

He has already travelled to Johannesburg and is due to rejoin the squad as they return from Limpopo, where they secured the Mafori Cup over the weekend, providing a positive backdrop to his homecoming.

Clubs decline to comment

The Siya crew contacted both AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United to clarify the circumstances surrounding the collapsed transfer and the terms of Vandala’s return.

At the time of publication, neither club had responded to requests for comment.