South African side rush for Mafoko

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Tuesday September 1, 2009 00:00

 

The deadline for transfers in South Africa ended last night. Online publication, Kick-Off reported that Santos, placed second in the ABSA Premier League, had concluded personal terms with the Township Rollers' player.

Mafoko has been with Santos for the last month. If the deal goes through, he becomes the third Botswana international at the Cape Town side after Mogogi Gabonamong and Jerome Ramatlhakwana, who joined when compatriot, David Bright was the coach. Bright has since moved to Bay United in the First Division.

Santos made its intentions of signing Mafoko clear when coach Boebie Solomons told Kick-Off that they hope to conclude the deal before the transfer deadline. 'We are happy with what we have and will not be signing any other players, except for Mafoko,' Solomons said.

Meanwhile, media reports from South Africa indicate that Ramatlhakwana who endured a frustrating debut season due to injuries is seeing limited game time. The former Mochudi Centre Chiefs' forward is in his second season at Santos but has found it difficult to break into the first team.

While Ramatlhakwana is itching for first team action, there are no such problems for Gabonamong who has established himself in South Africa. He has taken over the captain's armband following two good seasons during which he was voted the club's best player.