Mandaza, Gwandu close to Bucs Deal

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Thursday May 27, 2010 00:00

Sources in South Africa claim that Mandaza has already signed on the dotted line while the two clubs seal the Gwandu deal.  It is reported that Mandaza has signed a three-year contract. Rollers' managing director, Sommerset Gobuiwang's presence in Johannesburg yesterday afternoon further fuelled speculation of an impending deal. Although Gobuiwang could not be drawn into discussing details, he confirmed that he was in Johannesburg for the negotiations.

'I'm still in Jo'burg, please call me in the afternoon and I'll let you know of what is happening,' he told Mmegi Sport. The Bucs technical team has been running the rule over the Zimbabwean duo and reports are that the pair have been impressive. They left the country last week to feature for the Park Town outfit in the Premier Cup that was won by Mpumalanga Black Aces and they are said to have played well. Gwandu was solid in the heart of Pirates' defence against Mozambique's Deportivo De Maputo in the first semi-final of the competition while Mandaza was on target in one of the games.

'I know the striker (Mandaza) has already signed for Pirates. The defender should be signing any time now,' said a source.'He scored in one of the Premier Cup games last weekend and his colleague looked good in aerial balls and is very strong on the tackle. I'm sure he will also be signing in the next few days.' Mandaza has caught the eyes of a number of PSL teams that include AmaZulu, Maritzburg United, Bloemfontein Celtics and Platinum Stars. Stars are said to have made a R1 million offer for the services of the striker whose contract with Rollers ends next month. Gwandu, winner of two consecutive league titles, is also reportedly on Maritzburg United's wanted list after impressing coach Ernst Middendorp during the Coca-Cola Cup final a fortnight ago. The former Gaborone United (GU) defence stalwart joined Rollers at the beginning of the season.  Meanwhile, the scheduled friendly between Pirates and Rollers this weekend has been called off, Rollers' chairman, Spencer Mmui has announced.

'They had wanted to play us in a friendly match but that will not be possible. As a result, we have been forced to cancel the game,' Mmui said.