Mzava off to Israel for trials
Flames blossoming defender Limbikani Mzava flew out to Israel from South Africa on Thursday for trials with top league side Hapoel Tel Aviv.
Both Mzava and Celtic chief executive officer Khumbulani Konco confirmed the development in separate interviews.
“Mzava is leaving this evening [Thursday]. The trials have been arranged by his manager Walter Mokoena, but he is going there with our blessings,” Konco said from Bloemfontein.
Meanwhile, the 18-year-old rising defender confirmed having arrived in Tel-Aviv on Friday.
KickOff.com also reported Friday that Mzava is regarded as a star in the making and testimony to his talent could be the fact that he has captained his country at all youth levels and is now a full international.
“He has been invited for 10 days at Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Israel Premier League,” Mokoena confirmed to KickOff.com.
“Celtic received the letter of invitation late last year and agreed to release him for the trials.
“This kid is a gem. He can play at central defence, right-back and central midfield. He is similar to [Mbulelo] Mabizela at his best,” Mokoena adds.
And speaking on arrival from the Middle East domain, Mzava said: “I am all set for the trials. This could be my lifetime opportunity as it [Hapoel Tel-Aviv] is one of the top clubs in the Middle East. Actually, I have just arrived in Tel-Aviv.”
The club is based in Tel Aviv. It currently competes in the Israeli Premier League and plays its home matches at Bloomfield Stadium.
To date, the club has won 13 championships and 14 State cups, making it the country’s second most successful club after city rivals Maccabi Tel Aviv.
In 1967, Hapoel Tel-Aviv were the first club to win the Asian Club Championships.
