Top 10 freebies in SA

28 June 2011

Many clubs run a tight budget and for them, paying exorbitant transfer fees are not an option. But within a South African context there are a number of veteran internationals out there who would cost a side nothing.

Here are the Top 10 free agents available at the moment.

BRADLEY CARNELL
Released by: SuperSport United
Age: 34

Carnell battled with injuries last season and so made sporadic appearances for SuperSport on his return to South African after 12 years in Germany.

Although he is very much in the twilight of his career, his vast experience as either a fullback or winger on the left would make his an interesting proposition for a number of PSL sides. Fitness would be the major worry, but ability is certainly not in question.

MATTHEW BOOTH
Released by: Mamelodi Sundowns
Age: 34

Booth is certainly reaching the twilight of his career but was superb for Sundowns last season before a knee injury ended his campaign early. His wage demands might be a sticking point for many clubs, but if they can strike a deal they are getting a player with great experience and ability, and a fan-favourite too.

Question-marks could remain over his ability to play on with that dodgy knee and he still has two months of rehabilitation yet. His former side Santos and SuperSport United are said to be keen.

DAVID MATHEBULA
Released by: Kaizer Chiefs
Age: 28

Mathebula was a stand-out star for struggling Mpumalanga Black Aces when he joined on loan from Kaizer Chiefs for the second half of last season. He showed that is still has plenty ability despite a frustrating time at Chiefs over the past few season, and would improve many squads in the PSL.

Moroka Swallows are firm early favourites for his signature but there is also interest from Bloemfontein Celtic, Platinum Stars and SuperSport United.

MBULELO MABIZELA
Released by: Platinum Stars
Age: 30

Things turned sour for ‘OJ’ towards the end of his stay at Platinum Stars, not the first time that has happened to him, and despite the fact that on his day he is one of the best defenders in the PSL, the club decided to get rid.

A return to Orlando Pirates has been mooted, and perhaps Irvin Khoza is the only man in South Africa who can control the 30-year-old, while he has also been invited to trials with Maritzburg United. He is a great player … if you can control him.

STANTON LEWIS
Released by: Ajax Cape Town
Age: 23

The former Bafana Bafana striker spent the last six months on loan at Kaizer Chiefs but never got significant game-time. He has finally overcome his crippling injury problems though and is now a free agent having been released by Ajax Cape Town.

AmaZulu and SuperSport United have enquired about his services, and Platinum Stars are the latest side to be linked with his services. He is also seeking a move back to Europe having spent time at Ajax Amsterdam, where he also failed to make the grade.

BENEDICT VILAKAZI
Released by: Mamelodi Sundowns
Age: 28

Vilakazi was never really known as a ‘bad boy’ in his early days, but of late seems to have gone off the rails a bit. After being loaned to Mpumalanga Black Aces from Sundowns last season, the former Bafana Bafana midfielder lost the plot and ended up being fired by AmaZayoni for various offences.

The Brazilians have said they have no need for his services either, and so he is there for the taking. The player wants to return to Orlando Pirates, but that looks a long shot.

NKOSINATHI NHLEKO
Released by: Kaizer Chiefs
Age: 31

Nhleko has certainly been around the block and having spent much of his career abroad in the USA and Scandanavia, has plenty of experience. He has been deemed surplus to requirements at Kaizer Chiefs and is free to find a new employer.

Perhaps without the pace of old, he is a wily character and remains a good finisher. Bloemfontein Celtic had seemed hot on him, but the deal is still to be done.

DINO NDLOVU
Released by: Bloemfontein Celtic
Age: 21

Just a few years ago Ndlovu was being heralded as the next great striker hope for Bafana Bafana, but after failed spells at Mamelodi Sundowns and Bloemfontein Celtic, that looks a long way off.

The junior international was released by Celtic after a disappointing campaign in which he made just 10 appearances in all competitions and failed to score a goal. At the age of 21 he is still learning his craft though, and needs a coach who is willing to give him a run of matches.

PETRUS MAHLATSI
Released by: Free State Stars
Age: 27

Mahlatsi must be wondering where it has all gone wrong for him. From the highs of playing in the Bafana Bafana side a move to PSL champions SuperSport United in 2009, his career has disintegrated.

He has now been released by Free State Stars, who he joined from First Division Blackburn Rovers midway through the last campaign. Injuries have certainly hampered his progress, but this once prolific goalscorer looks to be about to fade into obscurity.

KAGISO SENAMELA
Released by: Platinum Stars
Age: 25

Still in his mid-20s, former junior international Senamela has seen his career stall since leaving Lamontville Golden Arrows in 2009. Once on the books of Kaizer Chiefs, he looked to have a bright future ahead of him, but has never managed to kick-on with his career.

He did enjoy some success at Platinum Stars under former boss Steve Komphela, but was barely used last season by Owen da Gama.