South Shields FC midfielder making big impression after summer move

South Shields FC midfielder Khanya Leshabela has been told ‘the world is his oyster’ as he looks to build on a promising opening to his time as a Mariner.

The former Leicester City and AFC Telford United midfielder was one of several summer signings as Mike Williamson prepared for his first season in charge at Mariners Park after he was named as successor to former head coach Ian Watson. Leshabela has started six of the Mariners first eight National League North fixtures, missing a home draw with Spalding United through injury and coming on as a substitute in a 2-1 home win against Marine earlier this month.

He grabbed his first goal for the club in last weekend’s FA Cup second qualifying round win against Witton Albion and will now hope to carry the momentum caused by that landmark strike into Saturday’s home game with National League North rivals Buxton. Mariners star Adam Campbell has praised the all-action midfielder for the impact he has made over the last two months and insisted Leshabela can continue to improve.

He told The Gazette: “He is brilliant and he is one of those players where you just know exactly what you are going to get from him. He will give you everything. He can tackle, he can pass, he can run all day, he is explosive and he is someone all of the lads are really excited to play with. He had a really good year last year and when we signed him, he was someone we were all looking forward to seeing how he would suit our system and how he would play.

“He pretty much epitomises exactly what Mike wants and that’s high energy, up and down, getting on the ball and that’s why he is getting the plaudits. He deserves them because he’s been absolutely brilliant and he’s a massive part of why we have had a good start. I hope he continues because he hasn’t really got a ceiling and if he continues like this, the world is his oyster in terms of where he could go.”

Experience

Campbell has benefitted from Leshabela’s work-rate in front of the back four after taking a more central role in Williamson’s side after featuring heavily on the left-hand side of a front three under the current Mariners boss during his time in charge of Gateshead.

The former Newcastle United forward has admitted he is relishing a role in the heart of the South Shields side and believes that is bringing out the best in him during his first season at Mariners Park.

He said: “I am more central and that’s better for me because I can get on the ball more and talk more to use my experience to help the younger lads. It’s a position I prefer playing, I’m relishing it, even though it’s sometimes deeper than I’ve been used to players - but that just helps me get on the ball more and impact the game. When I’m more involved, I feel like I can play better and it looks like I’m scoring more goals so hopefully that can continue.”

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