Galaxy Confirms Transfer Move Of Kabini

TS Galaxy coach Adan Beganovic has confirmed the sale of defender Samukele Kabini to Norwegian side Molde FK.

Kabini, who turns 21 today (Saturday), missed Galaxy’s 2-1 victory over AmaZulu in the Betway Premiership at King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday.

Following the game, as Galaxy moved to third place in the Betway Premiership table with 35 points after 23 matches, Beganovic confirmed Kabini’s departure and expressed his pride in facilitating such a move.

“Yes, Kabini has already signed with another club, and we are so happy because we produced one beautiful player,” Beganovic replied to Sportswire. 

“Why not? If a club decide to do that (sell, it’s not a problem). We spoke about that many times and we decided together to sell him. So, it is good, and it is good opportunity for him. 

“We can’t destroy his dreams and although the club has goals so why not? We will produce other players. 

“It is my job actually (to produce players) and I enjoy that.”  

This led to Mlungisi Mbunjana being used as an emergency centre-back alongside Khulumane Ndamane, a decision that earned further praise from Beganovic.

“Mbunjana played beautifully in that position, and I’m very happy with him because he surprised me,” he added.

Kabini is now working on securing his visa and necessary travel documents to Norway to complete the move to Molde, who are currently in the last 16 of the UEFA Conference League.

Their transfer window officially closes on 27 March, ahead of their league opener against Sarpsborg at their home venue, Aker Stadion, three days later.

During his time with Galaxy, whom he joined at the start of last season, Kabini made 39 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing three assists. Notably, all of Kabini’s goals came this season, marking his breakthrough campaign.

Kabini joins a Molde side that is the former club of former Manchester United striker and coach Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who managed the team in two stints. In his latter stint, Solskjær finished as runners-up in 2018 before taking the Manchester United post.

It is also the club where former Orlando Pirates coach Kjell Jonevret managed from 1 January 2007, to 30 August 2010.

Jonevret, who struggled in the PSL, was dismissed by Pirates at the end of the 2016/17 season after they were defeated by SuperSport United in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

Pirates also finished outside the top eight that season for the first time in the club’s PSL history.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is also a former Molde player, spending two seasons with the club and scoring 20 goals in 50 appearances, along with six assists.