Makgantai returns to the Ostriches
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday August 11, 2017 14:40
The Zebras marksman left the Ostriches for Vita last season, but struggled to cement a regular place.
Orapa United spokesperson, Kabo William said As Vita had not fully met Mankgantai’s contractual obligations, and it was agreed that the player returns home.
“As Vita had not paid us all of the money we had agreed on when we sold the player, they have agreed that instead, we take him back,” he explained.
“There are teams that are still keeping tabs on him abroad, but we feel he has lost a bit of match fitness during his time with Vita and we want to keep him here so that he can regain his level of fitness before we release him.”
William said they expect Makgantai to make his return during this weekend’s Bank Gaborone Dlala Cup in Maun.
“He has just joined us, but he is still on the right shape physically since their league concluded just a month ago. He is reporting for camp and we expect to see him play in our pre-season cup games in Maun.”
Meanwhile, the club’s assistant coach, Zacharia Mudzadzi said he was happy with the business the club has made in the transfer window.
The Ostriches have signed Kobamelo Kebaikanye, Bogosi Kaekwe (both from Township Rollers) and Tapiwa Nyamandjiva from Miscellaneous. They have released five players in Emmanuel Nlu, Zebron Ndjobvu, Khumoetsile Kufigwa, Nelson Moreetsi and Lovemore Murirwa.
“We are happy with the players we have signed and we are happy with Makgantai’s return. It’s a major boost,” Mudzadzi said.
“He is our boy and he understands our philosophy. He started training yesterday (Wednesday) and he looks fine.”
Mudzadzi said they are satisfied with their team and they don’t need to do any more business in the transfer window. He said their new acquisitions answer their shortfalls from last season.
“We needed a new dimension on the left wing and there is a lot you can get out of ‘Swere’ in that position.
“He is a great player and he is hungry. He is one of the brightest prospects in Botswana football and we want to bring out the best out of him so he gets back to the Zebras fold.
“Nyamadjiva brings the best competition out of Kemmy Pilato in the defensive midfielder role and Kaekwe is also a good competition in central defence for (Olekantse) Mambo and (Thabang) Mosige and that is all we lacked.” Mudzadzi anticipates an improved campaign after a lacklustre season.
“We have been building a good foundation all these years that has taken us to the top and we don’t want to find ourselves disturbing the process every transfer window.
“The team that we have been putting together has matured and the new inclusions are tried and tested players that bring a wealth of experience to the team and this season promises great things for Orapa United,” he said.
He also indicated that they have recruited new talented youngsters around the Boteti region that are unknown, but he expects them to come out and leave a mark by the end of the season.