Sibeko 'does a Pule' on Arrows

Japhet Zwane's signature is finally in Golden Arrows's bag, but where is Lucky Sibeko?

Those two issues were strongly on the mind of Arrows coach Khabo Zondo on Wednesday as he continued to prepare for the resumption of the league next week.

Zondo was delighted to confirm that former Bafana Bafana winger Zwane had joined the club as a free agent after a spell in Russia, but the coach was most disappointed to disclose that Sibeko had done a disappearing act.

Zwane, who was first approached towards the end of 2005, will feature for Arrows until the end of next season in May 2007, at least.

But just days after Zondo praised what seemed renewed commitment in training by Sibeko last week, the diminutive playmaker failed to show and is still absent without leave.

"He has not been to training since last Wednesday. I tried his phone, but there's no response. I don't know where he is," moaned Zondo, who has had his fair share of disciplinary problems coaching a youthful team.

"This is very disappointing, because just last week I thought he was doing well. This has happened many times before."

With Sibeko going from off the boil to in the wilderness, as well as other left-footed attacking players in the squad struggling for form, new recruit Zwane is primed to claim the left-wing position for himself.

He could make his debut when Arrows face Santos in Cape Town next Friday night. But as far as injuries at the club go, key defender Kampamba Chintu may have to sit out yet another match through a hamstring problem.

He's doing light training at present, according to Zondo, who has his fingers crossed that midfielder Papi Zothwane does not join Chintu on the sidelines for the trip to the Mother City.

"Papi has a knee problem at present. He does normal training but is forced to skip out at times. Basically, he is doubtful for the Santos match," said the coach.

He added that, as part of their preparations, management were trying to finalise the staging of a friendly, four-team tournament in Umlazi on Saturday. The other contestants would be Tembisa Classic and local First Division clubs Durban Stars and Zulu Royals, he said.