Between unpaid salaries and forfeited matches, Moroka Swallows have had plenty of lows this season. However, in the midst of it all, the Dube Birds have also unearthed one of the country's brightest prospects.
The Soweto side has made headlines in recent months for all the wrong reasons. Reports of unpaid salaries and an impending player striker followed the side for over two months late 2023.
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The wheels came off when in December when Swallows failed to honour two of their fixtures, one against log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and another against Lamontville Golden Arrows.
This would be followed by internal chaos at the club with over 20 players being released from their contracts, with some negotiating for new deals and others, like Andile Jali and Neverdie Makhubela, parting ways with Swallows.
Komphela would also leave the nest as assistant coach Musa Nyatama once against took over on an interim basis.
Some sigh of relief from Swallows supporters though is that club was able to retain the services of perhaps its brightest young talent in Khumalo.
Congratulations to 19 year old Owethu Khumalo who made his professional debut for Moroka Swallows against Polokwane City in the Dstv Premiership. Owethu has been in fine form for the the Birds DDC team since signing from Randburg FC (U19) at the beginning of the season. pic.twitter.com/iOYqiqbdkt
— Football Stage (@Football__Stage) November 11, 2023
The teenager had been signed from Randburg FC's U19 side and didn't take long to make his mark in the DStv Diski Challenge.
By September, he had scored five goals in six appearances for the reserves and it came as little surprise when he made his senior debut in October under the guidance of then-head coachKomphela.
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While Khumalo is out of action as he nurses an injury, Nyatama revealed that the striker remains held in high regard at the Dobsonville outfit.
"Look Owethu is a quality player," Nyatama told KickOff.
"He's a quality striker. He just needed an opportunity. We are also looking [to give more opportunities]. We have about six boys paying in the DDC, we've got Ntsiki – a left-hand centre-back, quality, we've got a Khumalo, a winger. We've got Mkhuseli Rampa, also quality player.
"So, our job is to help these boys and give them the opportunities."
There's a boy at Moroka Swallows, Owethu Khumalo, signed from Randburg FC, right-footed inside left/inverted winger speedy dribbler type of forward. I've only seen him play once, but my word, that boy is talented. Keep an eye out for him.
— Thato ???????????????????? (@Thato_Legend) October 19, 2023
The mass exodus as Swallows may ultimately benefit the likes of Khumalo, who now stand a better chance at game-timeat least until the remainder of the season.
The next step for the teenager to earn a place in a starting XI that includes the likes of experienced attacker Gabadinho Mhango and Lindokuhle Mtshali.
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