Manqele shines at Moroka Swallows

EDWARD Manqele admitted this week that he was contemplating a return to Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of his loan spell at Moroka Swallows.

Manqele (26) has made the most of the Premier Soccer League season so far, scoring five goals from seven matches in all competitions this season and his first career hat-trick.

The striker has a point to prove - he has revealed that all he wanted after his breakthrough into top-flight football was to play for Kaizer Chiefs. Instead, he was sold to Sundowns by Free State Stars in June last year and signed a five-year contract.

"That was not my decision. I was forced to go there. I wanted to go to Chiefs because they were interested in signing me and I knew I would have had a better chance of playing," said Manqele.

The goal ace could choose to stay with the Dube Birds or be sold to another club at the business end of this season.

"Speaking about Sundowns makes me emotional," he said.

"I did not join Sundowns because of the money, but to play. If I am honest, if it was left up to me to decide, I would not have signed for them.

"There was not enough support at Sundowns for me to do well, and the coaches there couldn't babysit everyone because it's a big squad."

The stats tell the story of a man who felt like a fringe player at Chloorkop - he managed only four goals in 22 games.

"Johan Neeskens [the former Sundowns coach] apparently wanted me to join the club, but I only started a few matches under him. When he left, I thought things would change," said Manqele.

Pitso Mosimane arrived at Sundowns in December to replace Neeskens . "I played a few games and that is how he picked up that I had weight problems, which was true," said Manqele.

"I was surprised to be loaned out. but I think coming to Swallows has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I feel at home here. I am also learning a lot. My finishing has improved. I believe I can revive my career at this club."

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