It is a case of out with the old and in with the new at Platinum Stars as they prepare for the new season.
Dikwena have parted ways with older players like Letladi Madubanya, 32, Bouna Coundol, 34, Thabiso Semenya, 33, Tlou Segolela, 28, and Mduduzi Nyanda, 26.
In turn, the North West-based side has, from their academy, promoted seven players who are all under the age of 20.
The new youngsters are Katlego Khunou, Tshirelatso Lesabane, Sipho Senne, Sphamandla Mlilo, Sphiwe Mnguni, Nhlakanipho Duma and Gift Links.
Other young players coming into the club include Thuto Mphahlele, who is from the University of North West, and Thobani Kunene, who joined from ABC Motsepe League side Kings United.
"It is the philosophy of the club going forward, so we had to give special attention to those that will take the club forward. So we looked at our MDC [MultiChoice Diski Challenge] team in terms of who is capable.
"The time has come to refresh the squad because our academy has come of age," said Stars coach Cavin Johnson.
Dikwena have also reunited with striker Henrico Botes. The 36-year-old was with Bidvest Wits and Johnson said the Namibian legend was back "to guide the younger ones".
"Henrico brings a lot of stability to the team as a whole because of his character on and off the field.
"He's going to help the youngsters that we have promoted, because they are around 17 and 18 of age.
"I need to make sure I have someone around to teach them to have the right mentality," said the coach.
Johnson is also excited at the prospect of his other Namibian player, new striker Benson Shilongo, 24, setting the Absa Premiership scene ablaze with Stars in the coming campaign.
Dikwena opt for fresh, young legs
It is a case of out with the old and in with the new at Platinum Stars as they prepare for the new season.
Dikwena have parted ways with older players like Letladi Madubanya, 32, Bouna Coundol, 34, Thabiso Semenya, 33, Tlou Segolela, 28, and Mduduzi Nyanda, 26.
In turn, the North West-based side has, from their academy, promoted seven players who are all under the age of 20.
The new youngsters are Katlego Khunou, Tshirelatso Lesabane, Sipho Senne, Sphamandla Mlilo, Sphiwe Mnguni, Nhlakanipho Duma and Gift Links.
Other young players coming into the club include Thuto Mphahlele, who is from the University of North West, and Thobani Kunene, who joined from ABC Motsepe League side Kings United.
"It is the philosophy of the club going forward, so we had to give special attention to those that will take the club forward. So we looked at our MDC [MultiChoice Diski Challenge] team in terms of who is capable.
"The time has come to refresh the squad because our academy has come of age," said Stars coach Cavin Johnson.
Dikwena have also reunited with striker Henrico Botes. The 36-year-old was with Bidvest Wits and Johnson said the Namibian legend was back "to guide the younger ones".
"Henrico brings a lot of stability to the team as a whole because of his character on and off the field.
"He's going to help the youngsters that we have promoted, because they are around 17 and 18 of age.
"I need to make sure I have someone around to teach them to have the right mentality," said the coach.
Johnson is also excited at the prospect of his other Namibian player, new striker Benson Shilongo, 24, setting the Absa Premiership scene ablaze with Stars in the coming campaign.
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