FORMER Highlanders left-back Khumbulani Banda played his first match for his Absa Premier Soccer League side Maritzburg United against Chippa United at Harry Gwala Stadium on Tuesday night.
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Banda’s cross in the 19th minute was headed home past Chippa United goalkeeper Fatau Dauda by Ghanaian Mohammed Anas to get the first goal – also on his debut for the Team of Choice — in the 3-0 win against the Chilli Boys.
The other goals came from Nhlanhla Vilakazi and Sheldon van Wyk. Van Wyk replaced Banda in the 69th minute. Chippa United are home to former Hwange and Warriors defender Erick Chipeta, who has secured his work permit, but did not play against Maritzburg United.
Banda signed with the Steve Komphela-coached Maritzburg United on July 22 after joining Highlanders at the start of the season from neighbours How Mine.
Maritzburg have lost one match 1-0 to Bidvest Wits, held champions Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 in their first match, beat Polokwane City 2-1 on August 13 and picked up their second win on Tuesday to sit on position four in the their first four matches with seven points before last night’s round of matches.
Before packing his bags for South Africa in June, where he impressed Komphela and his technical staff after a two-week trial stint, Banda who can also play as a left winger, had only played two matches for Highlanders coming in as a substitute on both occasions.
He came in for Rahman Kutsanzira in the second half when Bosso drubbed Caps United 4-0 on May 4 and also replaced Erick Mudzingwa in the 1-1 draw against Triangle United at Gibbo Stadium on June 15 before leaving for South Africa.
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Banda featured in the Independence Trophy tournament. The dreadlocked defender has previously played for Bantu Rovers, Dynamos and FC Platinum.
He is the fifth player from Highlanders to have moved to South Africa this year after Kuda Mahachi who scored in his debut for Mamelodi Sundowns in their 2-0 win over Moroka Swallows a few days ago.
Milton Ncube is yet to get his work permit for Ajax Cape Town who beat Bidvest Wits 3-1 at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday night. He watched Highlanders beat Triangle at Hartsfield Ground last Thursday.
Peter “Rio” Moyo was released by Mpumalanga Black Aces and is expected back in the country next week.
Moyo impressed AmaZayoni, home to Tendai Ndoro, while playing for the Warriors during the Orange African Nations Championships tournament hosted by South Africa in January.
Striker Cleopas Dube is in South Africa where he is reportedly finalising a deal with National First Division campaigners Witbank Spurs.
