Dino Ndlovu: Marumo Gallants confirm the signing of former Kaizer Chiefs transfer target

Marumo Gallants have confirmed the signing of forward Dino Ndlovu as a free agent.

The experienced striker will spend the rest of the season in Mangaung, where he returns after turning out for Bloemfontein Celtic during the 2010/11 season.

After a career overseas where he plied his trade in Israel, Cyprus, Azerbaijan, Turkey and China, Dino is back in the Premier Soccer League where he last played Mpumalanga Black Aces in 2015.

His signing comes as Gallants have also promoted winger Obarate Shaun Morgan from the reserve side to the first team.

“As part of Marumo Gallants FC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the squad and achieve success for the remainder of the season, the club is pleased to announce the signing of striker Dino Ndlovu,” reads the club statement.

“Ndlovu, a proven goal-scorer with extensive experience in top-tier leagues, joins Gallants after parting ways with Sakaryaspor FC in Turkey. The 35-year-old has had a distinguished international career. He represented the South African national team, Bafana Bafana, on eight occasions.

“He also featured for the South Africa Under-23 team, earning two caps and scoring three goals. Ndlovu played for several teams. These include Mamelodi Sundowns, Bloemfontein Celtic, Maccabi Haifa in Israel, Anorthosis Famagusta in Cyprus, and Qarabağ in Azerbaijan.

“In 2018, he made a significant move to China, joining Zhejiang Greentown, where he scored 13 goals in 41 appearances. He later played for Changchun Yatai in the Chinese Super League.”

Ndlovu is back in the PSL after being linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs in recent seasons.

He joins Gallants, who have been struggling to stay clear of the relegation zone despite having experienced players in their squad.

They have the likes of goalkeepers Washington Arubi and Daniel Akpeyi, former Orlando Pirates star Xola Mlambo, Frank Mhango, as well as the ex-Chiefs trio of Phathutshedzo Nange, Kamohelo Mahlatsi and Joseph Malongoane.

There could be some weight on Ndlovu to become prolific in their remaining eight league games and help ease their relegation worries.

For someone who last played competitive football in May 2024, Ndlovu likely lacks match fitness.

But Bahlabane ba Ntwa urgently needs him to start playing soon and help them avoid relegation.