Salim Magoola’s Carling Knockout saga opens door for young Philasande Manqele

The Ugandan international informed the club he would not feature in their Carling Knockout opening round fixture against Moroka Swallows on Sunday for “religious reasons” and, with his deputy Malcom Jacobs not fully fit, Manqele was thrown into the deep end. 

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Although he had nervy spells, the 2-1 win sent the Natal Rich Boys through to the quarter-finals, and Tembo is likely to stick with the youngster. 

"I work with him on a daily basis, I see his work ethic, he's a young who's got hunger and desire, and we won't just throw him there without really knowing what he's capable of," said Tembo.

"So, the trust comes from a place where you know someone. He deserved the opportunity. If he keeps working hard, I think very soon he's going to be one of the best goalkeepers in the country.

"Because he's calm, he makes good decisions, his handling was very good, his positioning was also very good, his distribution was also very good.

"There's still a lot [he can improve on], but I think credit should also go to the goalkeeper coaches who have been working with him, and whoever also scouted him. If he stays humble, I think he'll make a career out of it."

Magoola is understood to be of Islamic faith, and it is believed the competition’s association with Carling – a beer manufacturer – goes against his beliefs, resulting his refusal to play with the tournament's logo on his shirt.

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