New blood for Golden Arrows
FORMER Black Leopards striker, Rodney Ramagalela is now with the Golden Arrows on a season-long loan deal.
LIMPOPO – FORMER Black Leopards striker, Rodney Ramagalela, who joined the Pretoria side, Mamelodi Sundowns, two seasons ago is now with the Golden Arrows on a season-long loan deal.
The striker didn’t get enough chances to play last season due to strong competition at Ka bo-yellow.
Arrows coach Serame Letsoaka, said they wanted to strengthen all positions on the field, and for this reason had secured the services of Ramagalela, who joined the club this week. He will travel with the team heading to Richards Bay for the Premier’s Cup that takes place this weekend.
“This striker, who has played for Black Leopards, is a promising signing for the team. With three goals and one assist from a handful of games last season, Golden Arrows is sure he will light up the field when representing the team,” he said.
“Apart from Ramagalela we also signed Edgar Manaka, formerly from Platinum Stars. He is a seasoned player, with experience with Boroka FC and Black Leopards. He has joined the midfielder position but is known to be versatile with the boot.
“Gladwin Shitolo, previously with Jomo Cosmos and Orlando Pirates, has been signed to help with the midfield. He captained Cosmos before being signed to Pirates; he has a natural ability to lead and this shows on the field,” Letsoaka added.
“Nkosinathi Zitha is a young player who joins us from Thanda Royal Zulu. He is an explosive player on the field and has considerable performance on defence.
“Mwape Musonda joins us from Orando Pirates. He initially made his name at Konkola Mine Police where he scored 10 goals in the 2012 season when the club from the northern border town of Chililabombwe made its top flight debut. He is a strong, quick and powerful striker, who can read a game and combines well with others going forward and he can shoot with both feet,” Letsoaka continued.
Letsoaka further said Khayalethu Mjoli hailed from Natal United and although young, he impressed the teams earlier in the year when Golden Arrows met Natal United on the field.
“He has a natural ability with a football and has adapted well to the Golden Arrows style of play,” Letsoaka added.
“Kwanele Hlongwane also played his games at Natal United. The youngster is another versatile attacking midfielder who has impressed while being with the club for the pre-season,” Letsoaka said.
Philani Zikalala has joined the team from Orlando Pirates. Having spent much of the last season as the Bucs, he is a welcome addition to their keeping outfit, Letsoaka observed. Born in Kwa-Mashu, Zikalala is returning home to wear the green and gold. “He has played in one of our pre-season friendlies and impressed all.”
Letsoaka discussed some of the other players: Jabulani Ncobeni is a promising midfielder. Previously with Bloemfontein Celtic and Maritzburg United, he made the decision to get game time after being benched. He moved to Sobantu Shooting Stars in the South African Football Association (Safa) second division and has now joined Lamontville Golden Arrows.
Tumelo Letuka is a left back previously with Free State Stars. He is a definite team player and assesses the game well. Able to adapt his style to suit the game situation, he will be a welcome addition to the team. Other players signed from the Vodacom League include Quincy Ngcobo, a Pietermaritzburg-born player who has come across from Sobantu, Mfundo Ngwazi who has come through the ranks of both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates Development, as well as Koloko Mkhithi.
“We wish to welcome all of our new players to the Abafana Bes’thende squad and wish them well in the new season,” Letsoaka concluded.
