30 January 2020

Stellenbosch FC are hoping to have a work permit in time for new signing of Zambia international Nathan Sinkala who will make his debut for the club in their Nedbank Cup Last 32 clash against Maritzburg United at the Athlone Stadium on February 7. Sinkala’s capture is a major coup for the Cape Winelands club as he brings backs of experience and championship pedigree, and at the age of 29 should be reaching his prime.

"The work permit process is on-going, it is unlikely it will be completed by this weekend, but we are very hopeful of having Nathan available for the Nedbank Cup game with Maritzburg," Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker said. "He will give us a lot in terms of his experience and winning mentality, and we are very eager to get him on the pitch as soon as we can. The Nedbank Cup is a very important competition for us, so that would be a good time."

Barker, who led then second-tier University of Pretoria to the 2009 Nedbank Cup final, where they lost to Moroka Swallows, believes Sinkala’s signing shows the ambition of his side. "Every transfer window we want to be improving our squad. Nathan is a massive signing for us and we are excited to have him on board." 

Sinkala has spent the last eight years, albeit part of the time out on loan, at DR Congo club TP Mazembe, where he has lifted the CAF Champions League, two CAF Confederation Cup titles and three domestic league championships.  Added to that, he helped the team reach the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Tickets for the Nedbank Cup Last 32 are on sale at TicketPro outlets and selected SASOL garages countrywide. Prices will start at R40 for adults, and R15 for children under the age of 12. Supporters can also purchase tickets online at www.ticketpros.co.za

*The views represented are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent those of Nedbank.