Asavela Mbekile has completed a transfer to PSL Champions, Mamelodi Sundowns. The two clubs have agreed on a deal, and the player will turn out for the Brazilians from next season.
Mbekile joined Swallows after spending preseason on trial with the side and impressing teammates and the technical staff alike. He went straight into the starting lineup at the beginning of the campaign, partnering captain Lefa Tsutsulupa and Giorgi Nergadze in a combative midfield.
He started his Swallows career in sublime form with 12 tackles on his debut against Tuks and soon became one of the side's key players.
His liking for robust challenging led to 16 yellow cards, and the side struggled in his absence as we failed to win a single game without Mbekile in the side last season. He led the PSL charts for tackles per game with 5.05 per game, according to our Performance Analysis partners, ProZone.
"Shooz" leaves the club with 28 Birds appearances to his name. We would like to thank him for his service to the club and wish him well for the future.
PLAYER STATS
- 28 appearances
- 2539 minutes played
- 16 yellow cards
- 5.05 tackles per game (best in the PSL)
- 34.7 passes per game
- 85.88% successful passes
- 47% of his passes are forward passes
PLAYER PROFILE
Full name: Asavela Shakespeare Mbekile
Nickname: Shooz
Position: Defensive midfielder
Date of birth: 1 November 1986
Place of birth: Cape Town
Former teams: Ikapa Sporting, FC Cape Town, Chippa United, Moroka Swallows