MALTON & NORTON have a new South African ace up their sleeve.

The Yorkshire One title-chasers saw star duo Zweli Sodladla and Vus Dyantjies return home last week following the end of their six-month visas.

However, a new man, Siya Moabi, who likewise hails from Pretoria, has joined the club on a similar basis, and they are hopeful he can take up their mantle, starting tomorrow as Malt host Scarborough in a crucial derby.

Club spokesman Bill Laidler said of the centre, who plays back home for African Bombers: “Siya has trained with us last week and this week and he looks quite handy.

“It’s a blow to lose Zweli and Vus but Siya fits in nicely after their departure.”

Moabi joins another South African at The Gannock in Sizwe Zondo, who is a permanent resident here. Laidler added: “Like the two lads who have left, Siya is on a six-month visa and has come over for the experience.

"Hopefully he’ll be good for us.”

His baptism comes in a North Yorkshire derby in which Malton need the points to keep pace with leaders Doncaster Phoenix if they are to ultimately take the sole automatic promotion spot and get back up to North One East.

Malt, hopefully refreshed from a free weekend, lie second, eight points adrift with seven games left. Scarborough are fifth, but some 29 points in arrears.

Said Laidler: “Earlier in the season we beat them quite comprehensively at Scarborough, but it’s a derby and there’s usually a bit of needle.

“They’re on a bit of a roll, doing well in the national cup competition, so we will have to play well.”