THOHOYANDOU – Sibusiso Dlamini, the Black Leopards’ bulldozer striker, who has been out of action for the past twelve months, is back again. Dlamini’s layoff came after his application for South African citizenship early last year.

According to the Premier Soccer League’s rules and regulations, a player who applies for citizenship may not play, pending the approval for his application. According to the club’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kenneth Makhanya, Dlamini’s application was approved early this month.

“The Swaziland international is now registered with the club and has started training with the team with effect from Monday this week,” said Makhanya, who is also a resident of the Kingdom of Swaziland. Makhanya stated that Dlamini’s return will solve the team’s scoring problems.

The team was relying on Rudzani Ramudzuli, Mulondo Sikhwivhilu, Lucky Maselesele and Gert Lewele for goals during Dlamini’s absence. Ramudzuli is the current team’s top goal scorer.

Makhanya has also revealed that they have recently acquired the services of Mr Shadrack Biyemba, who will be working as the goalkeepers’ coach.

He indicated that the decision to appoint Mr Biyemba was reached after realizing that the team has been conceding silly goals of late. Their most recent embarrassing defeat was their 1-5 blow at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns.

Makhanya also stated that the team will play a number of international friendly matches with teams from the neighbouring states including Zimbabwe and Swaziland before the activities for the PSL resume the middle next month. The friendly matches will, according to Makhanya, give Dlamini enough time to acclimatize with the team.