International ace set to sign

By Tommo
June 22 2004

South Africa international striker Siyabonga Nomvete is set to join Millwall.

Nomvete's business manager Mike Makaab said: "They have been watching Siyabonga for a while now and are excited by what they've seen."

Millwall chief scout David Tuttle reportedly travelled to South Africa a couple of weeks ago to watch Nomvete in action for the Bafana Bafana against Cape Verde.

Tuttle also reportedly watched Nomvete in action for his Italian Serie B club Salernitana against Atalanta.

Makaab said Nomvete would probably have to wait until the end of the month to sign as Millwall's coaching staff - including player manager Dennis Wise and his assistant Ray Wilkins - are on holiday.

Nomvete, who has scored 12 goals in 44 appearances for South Africa, joined Serie A side Udinese two years ago after a couple of successful seasons with Kaizer Chiefs.

The striker failed to settle at Udinese and was loaned out to Salernitana.

A move to Millwall could resurrect Nomvete's club career and the striker's physical approach may be more suited to the English football.

Former Kaiser Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral, now with Austrian club SV Mattersburg, is also reportedly interested in signing Nomvete.