April 19, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Former Alabama A&M standout Sibusiso Macwele has signed to play with the UAB men's soccer program next season, announced head coach Mike Getman. Macwele will replace another 2007 signee Gabe Gala, who inked a contract with Toronto FC of Major League Soccer.

"Sibusiso brings skill, speed, and International experience to our team," Getman said. "We are excited to have a player of his caliber join our team. I expect him to make an immediate impact."

Macwele will provide immediate strength and athleticism to the back line of UAB. Last season with the Bulldogs, Macwele played in 11 of the team's 15 contests, accounting for 13 shots with four of those coming on frame. He was a part of the reason Alabama A&M collected four shutouts in its final six contests of the 2006 campaign.

The 5-10 rising sophomore defender comes to UAB as one of the top players in his home country of Swaziland, located between South Africa and Mozambique. He was a member of his country's Under 17, Under 20 and Under 23 national teams.

Macwele joins an already top notch 2007 class of 10 other signees. The Blazers snagged five forwards in the class, three of which have already enrolled at UAB and participated during the spring season. Transfers Frank Brown (University of Rio Grande) and John Markey (Montevallo) bring collegiate experience up front, while Kevin Sawchak has impressed with his speed and skill level. Anthony King (Huntsville, Ala./Vestavia Steamers) and Ken Tabata (Houston, Texas/Texans SC) are true freshman who have each had stand out high school careers.

In the midfield, Michal Mravec (Slovakia/Atlanta, Ga./Redwings SC) and Steven Grooms (Prattville, Ala./Vestavia Steamers) are the two newcomers to the position. Getman considers Mravec as possibly one of the most talented players to ever step on the pitch for the Blazers and should make an immediate impact. Grooms brings a wealth of talent, earning first-team all-state honors as a junior at Prattville High School.

Defensively, the Blazers welcome defender Curtis Ushedo (Toronto, Canada/Dixie Soccer Club), while recent signee Tucker Stone and Carl Wozszcynski (Columbus, Ind./ Westside United Club) are the goalkeeper in the 2007 class. Ushedo is another on the long list of Canadians who bring a load of talent to UAB. The duo joins 17 other Canadians who have played for the Blazers under Getman, including current players Derek Rios (Toronto), Carlo Schiavoni (Montreal) and Dejan Jakovic (Toronto).