Done deal: Swallows FC conclude Bongani Sam loan option

Chippa United were understood to be favourites to sign the player ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, but it’s their Soweto rivals Swallows FC who’ve managed to conclude a deal to keep Sam in Gauteng. 

The former Bloemfontein Celtic and junior national team left back spent the previous campaign crisscrossing between two clubs – he spent the first half at Maritzburg United and the latter part of it at Swallows. 

Pirates signed Sam in July 2019 following a memorable breakthrough spell at the now defunct Celtic and had attracted interest from Mamelodi Sundowns as well, but the Buccaneers were the first to get him to put pen to paper. 

However, the player was never really given ample opportunity to break into the first team under five different coaches in Micho Sredejovic, Rulani Mokwena, Josef Zinnbauer, the duo of Mandla Ncikazi and Fadlu Davids as current Spanish tactician Jose Riveiro. 

The public broadcaster had confirmed there were talks with Chippa for Sam to spend a season in Gqeberha, but a decision has been taken that the player will continue his loan stint with the Dube Birds. 

Swallows on Sunday announced Steve Komphela as their new head coach, with Musa Nyatama returning to his role as assistant coach.

Komphela has previously worked with Sam at Celtic and the veteran mentor was partly responsible for the player’s breakthrough season.