Swallows dump Mapemba

Aaron Dube in Johannesburg, South Africa
MOROKA Swallows have ditched former Warriors right back Gilbert Mapemba.
Swallows did not renew the former Caps United right back’s contract as they seek to rebuild a side which will compete for honours in the South African Premiership this coming season.

Mapemba’s contract with the Dube Birds expired last month.

An injury cost him several months of action last season. This could have contributed to the club deciding not to retain him as they were made to play without him for the better part of the year.

Swallows had a miserable season finishing outside the Top Eight in May.

Swallows coach Zeca Marques told Chronicle Sport: “I’m in disbelief now that one of my experienced defenders will not be part of the team next season. Mapemba has been faithful to the team ever since he joined the team a few seasons ago. There is nothing we can do now, decisions have been made. What I can say is that I wish him great endeavours and I know that wherever he will be playing, he will be instrumental.”

Marques said the Zimbabwe national team defender left Swallows this month as his contract was not renewed.

“I’m one of the coaches who enjoyed working with Mapemba for a while including with his former teammate Oscar Machapa. Together they formed a formidable combination at the back even though Machapa left the team last year.”