Maritzburg United sign four ahead of season opener
Ahead of their season opener next weekend, Maritzburg United announced three new signings and one permanent deal on Tuesday as they bolster their squad on the eve of the new campaign.
The Team of Choice formally launched the 2020/21 Premier Soccer League (PSL) with the announcement of three new signings - Jose Meza, Sibusiso Hlubi and Riyaaz Ismail - in addition, midfield playmaker Phumlani Ntshangase's loan spell has been converted into a permanent stay.
Hlubi is a winger with exhilarating pace and skill and the ability to take on and eliminate defenders. He arrives from Polokwane City, having also previously shone for Free State Stars as well as for Mthatha Bucks and Cape Town All Stars.
The 26-year-old certainly has the potential to become a fans' favourite and to provide outstanding service to the Team of Choice strikers while also chipping in with goals of his own.
Ismail is a 22-year-old defender who cut his teeth down in the Mother City for Hellenic FC. Once named Defender of the Tournament at the Engen Knockout Challenge Cup, Riyaaz earned himself a move to SuperSport United. He was subsequently loaned out to Real Kings in the First Division, where he gained some valuable playing time last season while helping the KwaZulu-Natal side end in fourth position.
The stocky and powerfully-built Meza will offer Maritzburg head coach Eric Tinkler and his technical team several different options up front.
Born in Venezuela, he enjoyed a stellar career in South America – in his home country as well as in Bolivia. He also had a brief spell in Portugal. The versatile front man has three league titles and a couple of cup competition winners medals in his trophy cabinet.
Team of Choice Chairman Farook Kadodia is optimistic about what the new men could bring to the team's dynamics.
"We would like to extend a warm welcome to the City of Choice to Sibusiso Hlubi, Jose Meza and Riyaaz Ismail, and are very pleased that Phumlani Ntshangase has decided to extend his stay at our club," he said.
"Football is an ever-evolving sport and a crucial element to that is staying on top of matters in the transfer market; identifying the areas which need beefing up and getting the relevant players into the mix.
"In this regard we are very pleased with the business which has been conducted and are confident the new players will give much added value to our team. With a bit of a mix of experience and hungry young talent, we are optimistic about the latest arrivals to our club and look forward to a successful campaign," the Chairman concluded.
Maritzburg are set to kick off the 2020/21 campaign next weekend when they take on Kaizer Chiefs in an MTN8 quarter-final match at the FNB Stadium on Saturday 17 October (3pm).