Chansa set for Santos debut
2008-08-27 10:27
Johannesburg - Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Francis Chansa could make his debut in Santos colours when the People's Team visits Bidvest Wits for their opening Absa Premiership game at BidVest Stadium on Wednesday.
With Wayne Roberts still out injured, the number one jersey remains open to both Chansa and Lee Langeveldt who, however, did not have one of his best games against Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN8 quarter-final at Loftus Stadium recently.
Santos' media officer Rodney Reiners has confirmed that Roberts, together with Romano Scott, have been ruled out of the clash against the Students in Johannesburg, but expressed confidence that despite the absence of the duo, who did well for the team last season, they will come back to the Mother City with their first three points.
"Roberts is still injured but we have done well to reinforce our goalkeeping department by signing Francis Chansa. Both Chansa and Lee Langeveldt will be contesting for the No 1 jersey.
"Our preparations for the game against Wits have been going very well and we had our final training session on Tuesday morning. I can tell you that the players are hungry for success this season and I am confident that we will continue from where we left off last season by achieving a great start on Wednesday."
Good replacement
Striker Eleazar Rodgers, together with Erwin Isaacs, are expected to lead Santos' strike force. Rodgers and Isaacs formed a great combination last season.
Young Malawian midfielder Tawonga Chimodzi could turn out to be Santos' trump card this season. He could use the game against Wits to introduce himself as a good replacement for Thando Mngomeni, who has moved to Mamelodi Sundowns this season
Meanwhile, Bidvest Wits' coach Roger De Sa has also declared that his charges are ready for Santos.
De Sa has promised to unveil most of his new signings and field a completely different team than the one he played last season.
"I have made a lot of new signings this season and the team (on Wednesday) will be made of half of them."
Wits have added 12 new players, including three Brazilians Andrey Almeida, David de Oliveria and Fabricio Rogriques, this season.
Sibusiso Mahlangu, signed from SuperSport United, is expected to wear the captain's armband whilst Energy Murambadoro will claim the number one jersey following the departure of Moeneeb Josephs to Orlando Pirates.
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- Kickoff