Where are Saief, Musona and Makarenko?

OTHER They cost around five million euros, but where are Kenny Saief (photo), Yevheni Makarenko and Knowledge Musona? Although they are fit, none of the three have stood on the field for a minute.


The Israeli-American Kenny Saief, only 25 years old, returned this summer from a loan to FC Cincinatti. Upon his arrival at Neerpede, the left winger immediately knew where he stood: Vincent Kompany was no longer counting on him this season. The player-manager made that clear immediately during the first training. Since then he has been used on training to fill in the gaps at unknown positions for him. In this way, Saief has never been able to show himself and never be part of the game selection. With the arrival of Vercauteren, Saief hopes to be able to profile himself as a base pioneer, after a minor injury in the past 2 weeks.

Knowledge Musona missed a huge opportunity in June in front of an empty goal in the Africa Cup with Zimbabwe. After this championship he got surgery on the groin with a corresponding, long rehabilitation. He has not been in the selection for a minute since then. STVV would have asked this summer for a loan, but without consequence.

Last season the attacking midfielder was still rented out to Sporting Lokeren - somewhat against his will - because this was the only club that wanted to take over its entire wage. He relegated with the Waaslanders and would like to have more say in a transfer this winter. Musona would prefer to go to a Belgian club.

Yevheni Makarenko competed with Kums in midfield after his transfer from KV Kortrijk to Anderlecht. However, a heel injury continued to haunt him. He got surgery in May, hoping to join in the preparation for the new season. But a friction between the bone and his Achilles tendon put a big cross through that comeback.

Two weeks ago he finally got rid of this annoying injury, but he doesn't have any rhythm. That combined with his wooden playing style, will probably be the deciding factor for Vercauteren and co not to use him in the coming weeks. Makarenko may therefore choose another team.