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nomvete settles in at the birds

GYPSY: Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Siyabonga 'Bhele' Nomvethe has joined Moroka Swallows. Pic: Veli Nhlapho. 30/06/2009. © Sowetan
GYPSY: Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Siyabonga 'Bhele' Nomvethe has joined Moroka Swallows. Pic: Veli Nhlapho. 30/06/2009. © Sowetan

SIYABONGA "Bhele" Nomvethe was just as surprised as everybody else that he ended up signing for Moroka Swallows rather than his first-choice team, Kaizer Chiefs.

SIYABONGA "Bhele" Nomvethe was just as surprised as everybody else that he ended up signing for Moroka Swallows rather than his first-choice team, Kaizer Chiefs.

The speedy winger-cum-striker told Sowetan after the Birds' training session in Germiston yesterday that his manager had initially pointed at interest from Naturena but that negotiations hit some snag that put paid to the move to his former club.

Nomvethe believes it was meant to be that he would play for all three Soweto soccer giants in his career, a feat achieved by very few players. He also featured for Orlando Pirates before his returning overseas.

Before joining Swallows he was on the books of Aalborg in Denmark and last year helped them to the league championship, which saw them qualify for the European Champions League for the first time.

"They had wanted me to extend my contract by another two seasons but a number of things [worked against] against that. There were also two other Danish teams interested in me but I decided to come back home. I have been away from home for too long now and it was not easy, especially when something happened and one had to come back. It was expensive to do so, spending around R30000 a return trip.

"Anyway, the new coach at Aalborg seemed to prefer his own players and while the supporters were calling for an extension to my contract, I thought staying would not be in my best interest. The tax in Denmark is also very high, as much as 60percent of your income," Nomvethe said.

The 31-year-old, who has 73 Bafana Bafana caps, said the national team played well during the Confederations Cup but added that in football you win some and lose some.

"I am not particularly looking at a Bafana Bafana call-up as long as I am happy at my club and we pull together with a positive attitude to win things. I am looking at pushing hard and winning the league with my new teammates.

"I have been warmly welcomed by everybody at the club and have signed for two seasons. I could still go back to Europe as there were offers for me but as long as I am happy here I don't think I would go back," Nomvethe concluded.

Also at training with the Birds was the club's former leading goal-scorer, Lungisani "Long Weekend" Ndlela, who was offloaded by Mamelodi Sundowns.

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