Ex-Kaizer Chiefs naughty boy joins new PSL side despite alleged discipline issues.
Former Chiefs and Stellenbosch midfielder Darrel Matsheke has signed with Motsepe Foundation Championship side Pretoria Callies. This move comes after Matsheke’s brief stint at Stellies, where he joined in October following his release from Chiefs after several loan spells at Uthongathi FC and Moroka Swallows.
Matsheke quickly made an impression at Stellies, catching the eye of coach Steve Barker during his first training session. Barker praised Matsheke’s potential, believing he could significantly benefit the team. The 25-year-old midfielder delivered on those expectations, earning two Man of the Match awards and playing a crucial role in helping Stellies clinch their first-ever top-flight trophy.
Challenging exit from Stellies
After parting ways with Stellies in March due to alleged disciplinary issues, Matsheke became a free agent.
The club released a statement saying. “Stellenbosch Football Club has parted ways with Darrel Matsheke by mutual agreement after the player transgressed the club’s internal code of conduct,” as quoted by iDiski Times.
Despite the challenges, Matsheke made 12 appearances and notably scored the winning penalty in the club’s 2023 Carling Knockout victory.
Reuniting with teammates at Callies
Now, Matsheke reunites with his former Chiefs teammate Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya at Pretoria Callies. Ntiya-Ntiya, a 28-year-old left-back, also drops down a division after his time with Sekhuhune United. Together, they aim to bolster Callies’ promotion ambitions this season.
Callies head coach Fabio Lopez expressed his excitement about the new signings, stating, “I’m glad to have four experienced players and increase the level of the quality team,” as quoted by iDiski Times.
He emphasised the importance of integrating the new players into his playing style quickly.
“Much will depend on me to make them understand what I and my staff want, but for sure, as I know them already, with their effort to understand, everything will be easy.”
Looking to climb the table
Alongside Matsheke and Ntiya-Ntiya, Tsepho Chaine and Tsepho Sikhosana have also joined the club after leaving Marumo Gallants. Currently sitting 13th in the league with six points from seven games, Lopez remains optimistic. “In the seven games, we played very good football… I’m sure with new players joining the family we gonna have a better season,” he said. He noted that the team’s four clean sheets indicate they deserve a better league position.
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