Injury delays Nthala’s South Africa trials

Flames first-choice goalkeeper Simplex Nthala may miss an opportunity to sign for South Africa Premiership newly promoted side University of Pretoria due to an injury.

Nthala has been invited for trials at the club and was expected to leave on Thursday, but failed as he is yet not cleared by doctors on his recent shoulder injury.

The Vilankulo FC goalkeeper is currently on light training waiting for final check up today (Friday) on whether he should start full training.

“I was given the air ticket on Tuesday to go to South Africa today [Thursday]. But my club cancelled the trip saying I should get a recommendation from doctors first. The check up is on Friday so from there we will see what happens,” he said.

South African media reports on Thursday indicated that University of Pretoria, also know as Amatuks, have invited Nthala for trials.

He is cover up for the team in case the deal to snap up Zimbabwean goalkeeper Washington Arubi does not work out. Arubi is implicated in the Asia gate match-fixing scandal and Tuks want him cleared first by Zifa before completing the move.

Nthala also attended trials at South African side Santos where he succeeded but the deal fell through due to misunderstanding on transfer fees with his former club Liga Malculmana.

University of Pretoria were on Thursday also expected to make a final assessment of striker Chiukepo Msowoya.

Msowoya, who is out of favour with Orlando Pirates, has been training with Tuks hoping to join the team.

Thursday, Tuks were playing Bloemfontein Celtic in a training game which was to determine Chiukepo’s fate.

Another Flames striker Jimmy Zakazaka is also trying his luck at Tuks after impressing the team in the National First Division, where he scored 10 goals last season.

Defender Moses Chavula ,who was released at Amazulu is also reported in talks with Santos, who got relegated to the National First Division last season.

Striker Esau Kanyenda is still undergoing assessment at Amazulu and was not give a chance as Amazulu lost 1-0 to English side Manchester United.

Meanwhile, midfielder Joseph Kamwendo is in Johannesburg discussing with three teams for a possible deal according to his agent Charles Martin.

Kamwendo, who is in top form was linked with moves to Sundowns and Celtic but nothing came up.

“Kamwendo is a quality international footballer and will not be attending any assessments. Negotiations are underway with one of the big three Clubs in South Africa. We will not divulge the name of the team as it might jeopardise the negotiations. But he is with me here in Johannesburg,” said Martin.