As part of their efforts to ensure an improved Motsepe Foundation Championship season in 2024/25, Pretoria Callies have retained the services of a veteran campaigner who once ignited a tug-of-war between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
Callies survived relegation by the skin of their teeth last term, and it seems they are not willing to see history repeat itself.
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The Romans finished in 14th place last season, only three points above NB La Masia, who have eventually gone back to the ABC Motsepe League.
The Tshwane-based outfit will now hope to do better after also retaining the services of head coach Bushy Moloi for another campaign.
Moloi replaced Kwanele Kopo towards the end of last season, with the latter having been lured away to Chippa United, where he is co-coach with Thabo September.
According to an official at Callies, the club has since released former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jabulani Shongwe to accommodate new signings, while Siphelele Mthembu is likely to be kept.
"Mthembu is here. He is back as you saw him during our practice matches during the pre-season training.
"Shongwe is no longer with us. He has been released," said the official.
Mthembu is remembered by local fans as the striker that Pirates and Chiefs wrestled over, with it believed at the time he had allegedly signed contracts with both Soweto giants at the same time.
He eventually made his debut for Bucs in 2008, before later turning out for Amakhosi between 2014 and 2016, but has career has failed to hit the expected heights, with injuries also playing their part.
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Meanwhile, defender Riyaaz Ismail has resurfaced at Chippa with a hope of securing a move to the PSL ahead of next season.
The Chilli Boys have already signed midfielder Xolani Sithole from Callies.
Both players worked with Kopo during at the second-tier side last season.