Swallows’ Nyatama offers measured take on new signing Augustine Mahlonoko
Moroka Swallows stand-in coach Musa Nyatama has given his honest assessment of the club’s new signing Augustine Mahlonoko.
The attacking midfielder joined Swallows on a free transfer after parting ways with Motsepe Foundation Championship side NB La Masia a few months ago.
Mahlonoko gained prominence in the DStv Premiership with Orlando Pirates after being promoted from the club’s development side in 2018.
The Vaal-born footballer was tipped for greater heights after making his PSL debut at the tender age of 16 in the 2018/19 season under the mentorship of Milutin Sredojevic.
After a promising start to his professional career, Mahlonoko earned international recognition in 2018 after he was named amongst the top 60 young players in the world by the UK publication The Guardian.
Mahlonoko had been with La Masia since July 2022, after his exit from Baroka FC. The 22-year-old midfielder has been trying to revive his career since leaving Pirates in 2020.
NYATAMA COMMENTS ON AUGUSTINE MAHLONOKO
While the utility player made a return to the top flight with Swallows, Nyatama has claimed that Mahlonoko is yet to showcase his talent at the club.
Asked what the starlet brings to Swallows, Nyatama said: “A very talented boy, but unfortunately, he has not shown us his talent.
“I’m sure we’ll try and help him to do well for himself as well as the team. And he has tried to showcase his talent.”
The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Pirates anchorman further revealed his mandate at the Dube Birds for the remainder of the campaign.
“To be honest, we know the mandate for any other coach, especially where we are now, we need to survive [relegation]. The first thing is survival then we’ll see how we get into the top eight.”
Swallows lost their first match of the second round of the 2023/24 season with a 1-0 defeat against Polokwane City at Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday.
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