Mzava shown exit at Highlands

Estranged Flames captain Limbikani ‘Pupa’ Mzava has been shown the exit at Highlands Park FC following the sale of the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) club’s franchise to TS Galaxy.

Apparently, TS Galaxy have decided not to take on board the centre-back, who was the second highest paid player at the club and was remaining with seven months on his two-year contract.

Mzava, who is also rated as one of the most valuable foreign players in the PSL, was not available for comment, but on Tuesday evening he expressed shock at his predicament on South Africa Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) sports radio show Marawa Sport Worldwide hosted by Robert Marawa.

“I don’t even know how to tell my family about this issue because I am a father to many people,” he said.

The defender follows in the footsteps of midfielder Mothobi Mvala, Tapuwa Kapini and Premier Soccer League (PSL) joint Golden Boot Award winner striker Peter Shalulile, who have all left the team as it plans to relocate to Mpumalanga under new owner Tim Sukazi.

Kapini also told the show that he was surprised by his unexpected sacking.

“One of the directors told me not to worry [because] my contract would be sorted out after the bio-bubble, just to find out that the team has been sold and now to find myself without a job,” he said.

Though there were doubts on whether PSL would allow the sale of the franchise, Sukazi said the deal is done and dusted and that the only factor left is for the PSL executive committee to ratify it.

“The deal is done, it’s signed and sealed. I know there was a tweet yesterday that the deal was off. But some people are sensational and like to create confusion and stories without checking the facts.

“The PSL letter is clear, they will approve the deal. We can start celebrating,” Sukazi was quoted as having said by goal.com.

On players’ contracts, Sukazi said the deal with Highland Park states that TS Galaxy are responsible for the players that are still contracted to the club.

“The rules say we are responsible for the players who still have contracts, but we can make any decision on players whose contracts are ending like Kapini who’s 36. I have young keepers at TS Galaxy who have contracts.

“For example, Yeye is out of contract, but the technical team likes him. The same goes for Bevan Fransman. We might keep these two players. The technical team makes this decision,” he said.

Mzava joined Lions of the North in June 2019 alongside other five signings—Makhehleni Makhaula, Thela Ngobeni, Wayde Jooste, Mark’s Munyai and Rodney Ramagalela.

A few years ago, he turned down an ouright offer from giants Orlando Pirates.

The centre-back started his career at Azam Tigers but his first South African club, Bloemfontein Celtic, signed him in 2011 from the now defunct TNM Super League outfit Escom United.

He spent four seasons at Celtic before a season-long stint with Mpumalanga Black Aces in 2015/16 season.

Before signing for Highlands Park, Mzava spent three-seasons at Lamontville Golden Arrows between 2016 and 2019.