Fransman backs Twala and Tlhone to shine at Maritzburg

Twala and Tlhone joined the Team of Choice from Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits respectively last month.

Twala has already made his United debut when he came off the bench in the 2-1 loss to Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium last weekend, while Tlhone is currently nursing a knee injury.

“William Twala is an experienced campaigner, so I expect him to come in a make a positive impact. Once Thlone gets fit, we’ll also have a nice natural left-footer in the side which we need. We just have to continue and keep pushing forward, keep focusing on the job at hand which is to claim a top-eight finish,” Fransman told his club’s website.

Maritzburg lost captain Denis Weidlich and striker Evans Rusike to Wits and SuperSport United respectively during the January transfer window, but Fransman believes the team will continue to do well without them.

“That’s football, players come and players go. ‘Danso’ was a quality defender and a great leader, and Evans was a fantastic goalscorer. But we know the club has to do business to stay afloat,” commented Fransman.

Meanwhile, Fransman says it is a great honour for him to be handed the armband again by coach Fadlu Davids.

“I’ve always seen myself as a senior player in the side and have tried to guide the younger boys and be a leader as much as I can.

“So taking over from where Denis left off, I just have to continue leading the team forward and helping the young players. It’s a great honour following on from previous skippers like Denis, Kurt Lentjies and Shu-aib Walters,” concluded Fransman.