…Masoabi on the verge
SOUTH African premiership side Black Leopards have completed the signing of Likuena midfielder Tumelo Khutlang.
The side is also on the verge of signing Nkoto Masoabi whose deal could be announced this week although Kick4Life say they are yet to receive any communication from the club.
Khutlang’s signing was confirmed yesterday by his former club, Lioli in a statement yesterday morning.
The statement said the player was scheduled to leave for South Africa yesterday and was expected to join his new side today.
Earlier this week, Black Leopards team manager Tshifiwe ‘Chief’ Thidiela had expressed confidence that they would finalise the acquisitions either this week or next week.
Thidiela is son to the owner of the team, David Thidiela.
He said he was confident that the duo will be unveiled before the end of the week ahead of the 2018/19 soccer season that begins in August.
Black Leopards are back in the top-flight league after winning the promotion/relegation play-offs that also featured Jomo Cosmos and Platinum Stars.
The two players impressed the Black Leopards technical team during the recent COSAFA Cup that was held in Limpopo province, where Lesotho finished third.
“We are speaking to them but there are still outstanding issues that need to be fixed before we finalise everything,” Thidiela had said.
“Our technical team watched the two players and they were tracing them, but I think the coach can say better about them. Once all the outstanding issues have been sorted then we can give details about the players since they will belong to our team by then.
“Either this week or next week we will have finalised everything. I think they are also coming for camp this week but once they are here and everything has been completed we can talk and take it from there.”
Yesterday Lioli said their star forward was leaving the country to start a new chapter in his career.
“Lioli FC is happy to announce the move of Khutlang to Black Leopards FC of South Africa playing in the PSL.
“Lioli concluded the move with the representative of the club and the player will travel today and join the club tomorrow.
“Further details will be made available as matters develop. Lioli wishes Tumelo ‘Makhopo’ Khutlang best of luck together with Masoabi, who is also our former player now with Kick4Life FC.”
Khutlang yesterday said he was excited about the move. Last year the player saw a move to then South African National First Division (NFD) side Mthatha Bucks collapse at the eleventh hour.
“I am excited because I did not expect the matter to be finalised as early as it has been. Clubs always fight over fees and other issues. I look forward to making a mark in South Africa,” Khutlang said.
Kick4Life boss Chris Bullock said although they are yet to get communication from Black Leopards, they would not stand in the way if Masoabi wants to move.
“We will not stand in the way of the player. All we are waiting for is for Black Leopards to contact us so that we can assist them finalise a deal,” Bullock said.
Indications are that LMPS defender, Basia Makepe and Motebang Sera of Matlama are also on the verge of moving to South Africa having impressed during the 2018 COSAFA Cup.
Reports say that the duo players have agreed personal terms with Mbombela United who play in South Africa’s NFD.
All four players are reported to have signed with a South African agent who is facilitating their respective moves to Black Leopards and Mbombela United.
