Such news was hailed as a step in the right direction following an energy-sapping campaign that yielded - what is now becoming a cliché – four trophies in four months.

It was a tough battle and there were casualties along the way, either through injuries or suspensions and the arsenal at times firing blanks and this meant the league campaign was distabilised.

The acquisition of midfielder Tenashe Mangomasha from Black Aces and striker Kelvin Mushangazhike from Blackpool, who captured the imagination of team manager Bobby Motaung at a national under-23 tournament in South Africa, was seen as the solution. But it was a case of too little too late as paperwork delayed their debut.

But once all the necessary paperwork was sorted out, the two youngsters were thrown into the deep end. Mangomasha made a sensational debut in a league match against AmaZulu in Durban and left an impression. His performance also caused a stir as one Premier League club claimed he was in their books. That was dismissed as hot air by the club.

“First we made an approach to the player during the under-23 Four Nations tournaments here in South Africa. We then approached Black Aces in Zimbabwe and made them an offer,” says Bobby Motaung.

“The boy is a minor and cannot sign contracts and because of that, we approached his parents. All parties concerned were in agreement and Zimbabwe Football Association issued a clearance on that basis.

“Safa and Home Affairs were also happy that protocol was followed and a work permit was issued. If there were anything wrong the PSL would have never registered the player, as they must also be furnished with all relevant documents,” Motaung added.

Read more in the next issue of Amakhosi Magazine