Wanderers and Mkhambathi build depth for new season

Pietermaritzburg clubs Midlands Wanderers and Mkhambathi FC believe they are well prepared for the new football season after strengthening their squads and technical teams during the off-season. However, despite a challenging campaign, they managed to retain their status by avoiding relegation. Club founder and head coach Vincent “Masenti” Myeni said the team’s preparations had gone well and he expected a much stronger showing this season.

“Last season was a learning curve for us,” said Myeni. “As a team that had just come from the third division, everything was new … We were not surprised by the challenges because we expected them. We are grateful that we managed to survive despite everything we went through.

This season we will be a different team and one that can compete fairly with the rest of the league.” Wanderers have strengthened their squad with the arrivals of Ndumiso Ngiba, Sonwabo Khumalo, Sane Radebe, Bayanda Zulu and Jabulani Mokone, while the club is expected to confirm more signings in the coming days. Myeni said Saturday’s KZN Premier’s Cup clash against AmaZulu at 4pm would provide an ideal opportunity to assess his revamped squad ahead of the league campaign. Meanwhile, Mkhambathi FC have also made changes both on and off the field following their impressive 2025/26 season. The club has appointed Xolani “Sdanone” Khumalo as head coach, with Siyabonga Mdluli serving as first assistant coach, Nkosingiphile Ntinga as second assistant coach and Sibongiseni Nsele as goalkeeper coach.