AMAZULU spokesman Brilliant Mkhathini says their new signing, Mhlengi Cele, will become a big hit at Usuthu. Cele joined AmaZulu on a three-year contract yesterday, Mkhathini confirmed.
He said Cele, who scored 19 goals for Thanda Royal Zulu in the National First Division last season, would get all the support he needs to make it at Usuthu.
The 30-year-old narrowly missed out on the NFD Golden Boot to Sedwyn George, who scored 20 goals.
Said Mkhathini: “Mhlengi showed last season what he is capable of. He has done well for himself. Now is a big moment for him – a chance to take that goal-scoring form onto a bigger stage. We believe he can do it and the club is excited to have him on board.”
Mkhathini is encouraged by the fact that Cele is familiar with Absa Premiership football. Before returning to Thanda last season, Cele played for Chippa United.
He added that the player from Eshowe in northern KwaZulu-Natal would not find it hard to adjust to life in the big league.
He said: “He will play a big role in our Premiership campaign next season. He also has Siyabonga Nomvethe and Mabhudi Khenyeza to assist him. He is a quality striker and AmaZulu are proud to have him.”
Cele is joining four teammates from Thanda who are already at Usuthu on three-year deals – Jabulani Ncobeni, defender Ayabulela Konqobe, goalkeeper Siyabonga Mbatha and striker Nduduzo Dlamini.