Nyandoro to leave Downs for SuperSport?

Sport
TSHWANE — Esrom Nyandoro could be the next player to leave Mamelodi Sundowns due to a lack of game-time.

TSHWANE — Esrom Nyandoro could be the next player to leave Mamelodi Sundowns due to a lack of game-time.

The veteran Zimbabwean has failed to command a regular place at Chloorkop under coach Pitso Mosimane who has preferred to use Hlompho Kekana in the defensive midfield position.

The Brazilians have already lost the services of Jabulani Shongwe and Katlego Mphela on precontracts, and now Nyandoro, who turns 34 on February 9, has been linked with both SuperSport United and Maritzburg United.

According to a source close to the player, Nyandoro was due to meet with Sundowns yesterday to disclose his intention of leaving.

“Nyandoro is very professional and is handling his situation at Sundowns very well,” the source said. “Age is no longer on his side, but he wants to play football.

“There is huge interest in him. His family is based here and his kids are studying in Johannesburg, so there is a great possibility that he could join SuperSport United.”

Sundowns spokesperson Kabelo Mosito said he was not aware of Nyandoro leaving, but Matsatsantsa coach Cavin Johnson admits they could bring in another player before the transfer window closes.

“We might do something or do nothing . . . it all depends on the office, they have names,” Johnson said.

“They have to go find the players asked of them. If not, that’s fine . . . we have to carry on.

“Just like I have a mandate to train players on the field, they have a mandate to look for players . . . It’s their job. If it doesn’t happen before Friday (tomorrow) then we have to bring in the youngsters.”

Nyandoro grew up in Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, Bulawayo, and learnt at Mzilikazi High School. He was identified by soccer scouts while playing in the Peter Ndlovu invitational Under-19 tournament, for Zimbabwe Saints Juniors, which was used to identify and promote talent.

As a result of this he signed with AmaZulu, rising through the reserve ranks to being a member of the league championship-winning squad.

Nyandoro was then signed by South African club Mamelodi Sundowns in 2004 and was named the Premier Soccer League club rookie of the year after his debut season.

In the summer of 2006, Nyandoro joined up with English Premier League club Sheffield United for a trial. This was on the recommendation of Ndlovu — now Sundowns manager — who had played for the club. Nyandoro was, however, not signed.

Nyandoro was a member of the Zimbabwean 2004 African Nations Cup team, who finished bottom of their group in the first round of the competition, thus failing to secure qualification for the quarter-finals. He scored a superb goal that was voted as the best goal of the tournament. He also participated at the 2006 African Nations Cup. — Kick Off