Mzava pens 3-year deal with Aces
Flames defender Limbikani Mzava has signed a three-year contract with another South Africa Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Mpumalanga Black Aces in search of improved game time.
The revelation comes just a day after the club confirmed having parted ways with the defender.
Aces boss Mario Morfou officially confirmed on Tuesday that the Malawi right-back, frustrated by making just 18 Celtic appearances in the just-ended campaign, is poised to start Aces pre-season training with them mid-June.
“Yes, he [Mzava] has signed a contract with us. We will announce the other new players and those leaving the club in due course,” he told Kick-Off magazine.
Aces, home to players such as Collins Mbesuma and Zimbabwean Tinashe Nengomasha, finished on 10th position in the just-ended season.
Aces have also hired coach Muhsin Ertugral to replace sacked veteran Clive Barker.
Celtic coach Clinton Larsen told the club’s official website that Mzava has left alongside Botswana internationals Joel Mogorosi and Mogogi Gabonamong. The duo’s contracts have expired.
“With Mzava, we never wanted him to leave, but he had already made up his mind after starting the season mostly sitting on the bench,” Larsen explained on Tuesday.
“It is painful to lose diligent players, but again we really welcome their modest manner in accepting the decision taken. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”
Mzava is rated highly. He, in 2013, attended trials at Maccabi Haifa and Monaco in Israel and France respectively, but the Ligi One side could not sign him because they felt he was short for a defender. His height is estimated at 1.72 metres.
During that time, Larsen was quoted as saying “If anybody can show me another 19 or 20-year-old that is playing as consistently as Mzava then I would like to know who he is.”
