Just weeks after Augustine Mahlonoko’s departure, another PSL star is on the verge of leaving NB La Masia, raising questions about the club’s future.
Mahlonoko, who debuted for Orlando Pirates a month before his 17th birthday in 2018, has parted ways with the Motsepe Foundation Championship side.
The Buccaneers’ academy graduate was reportedly unhappy with the lack of game time. On the other hand, the club complained that he would attend training as and when he wanted.
But Mahlonoko is not the only former DStv Premiership player leaving the club. A former Sekhukhune United midfielder is also on the verge of exiting the club.
WHO ELSE IS LEAVING LA MASIA AFTER AUGUSTINE MAHLONOKO?
SN24 can exclusively reveal that Tlotlo Leepile is on the way out of the club, citing a desire for a new challenge. He joins Mahlonoko, who left earlier this month.
The departures of two key players in quick succession is a significant blow to NB La Masia, who finished 13th in the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season.
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The exodus of talent has led some to question whether NB La Masia is still a viable option for players wanting to compete in the second tier.
The club is in its second season in the second tier of South African football and hopes to do better than last season.
Leepile has been a periphery figure at the Johannesburg club, only making a handful of appearances this season.
La Masia are currently 10th on the Motsepe Foundation table, having won five games and drawing five times. They have played 15 games so far.
The long-term impact of these departures on NB La Masia remains to be seen. The club must find a way to replace the lost talent and address the underlying issues that led to the players’ exits.