Jan 26, 2021 - 06:15 pm By Lovemore Moyo
Maritzburg United have released the duo of Tyroane Sandows and Gabon international midfielder Nathanael Mbourou.
Sandows joined Maritzburg at the beginning of the season amid much expectation after having spent over a decade playing in Brazil but could only manage two appearances.
The 25-year-old forward just struggled to fit in, with the Team of Choice not getting what they had anticipated from him.
With Mbourou, he also arrived at the start of the current season from CF Mounana and managed four appearances – all of them in the first four games of the campaign – before then sliding down to the bench and disappearing after Ernst Middendorp took over.
Maritzburg United are believed to be looking to bring back their former targetman as they aim to get out of the relegation zone.
The Team of Choice remain in the relegation zone after their last two losses and this website understands that Ernst Middendorp is already planning to beef up his squad to make sure they get out of that position.
Evans Rusike, who is currently out of favour at SuperSport United, is understood to be one of the German coach s targets according to sources close to the club.
It is also believed that new Zambian goalkeeper Sebastian Mwange – who was seen as Richard Ofori s replacement after the Ghanian joined Orlando Pirates – could be moved on as Jethren Barr currently enjoys more minutes.
Coach Ernst Middendorp named six defenders in the starting line-up with Kwanda Mngonyama deployed in midfield, while Clayton Daniels marshalled a five-man defence.
Meanwhile, Bucs were targeting nothing but a victory as they were winless in two matches having been held to a 0-0 draw by Lamontville Golden Arrows at home on Tuesday.
Middendorp s counterpart, Josef Zinnbauer made two changes to the team which faced Arrows as he handed 18-year-old midfielder Azola Tshobeni his official debut.
The Team of the Choice sat back to absorb any pressure from the Buccaneers, who dominated possession with Thabang Monare being allowed to distribute the ball from midfield.