Chiefs wrap up Mongala, Makakaba signings

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Tuesday August 21, 2012 00:00

 

After a surprisingly quiet start to the transfer window, Premier League big guns have suddenly sprung into action with some notable signings. Champions, Mochudi Centre Chiefs have acquired the services of Zebras' skillful winger, Phenyo Mongala. They have also wrapped up the signing of another skillful winger, David Makakaba from Police XI.

Mongala has signed a three-year contract with the league champions after returning from South Africa where he has played for three clubs, Orlando Pirates, Pretoria University and Bloemfontein Celtic.He moved to Pirates after an impressive run in the Nedbank Cup with Pretoria University, but stayed for one season the Soweto giants before being loaned to Celtic. He has been without a club but Chiefs moved swiftly to secure his signature after the departure of Joel Mogorosi. Makakaba was also signed as a free agent. He recently resigned from the Botswana Police Service. At a media briefing on Friday, new Botswana Football Association (BFA, Tebogo Sebego explained that since Police XI and Security Systems are no longer affiliates of the association, their players automatically become free agents. The arrival of the two wingers will provide the much needed depth to an already star-studded side.

BDF XI have defeated Township Rollers in the race to sign midfielder, Boitumelo Mafoko. Mafoko returned from South Africa after spending some time at Cape Town side, Santos.  The midfielder was previously linked with a return to Rollers upon his arrival from South Africa, but the two parties could not agree terms. 'It is true that we have signed Mafoko. The deal was sealed on Saturday and he will start training with the team tomorrow (Tuesday),' BDF XI spokesperson, Philemon Mompati told Mmegi Sport yesterday.  Mafoko is expected to partner another Zebras midfielder, Patrick Motsepe next season as BDF XI attempt to challenge for top honours. 'He is a very important addition to our squad. We all know he is a utility player and his experience will also be vital,' he added. BDF XI have also reportedly signed a striker from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The two players will be unveiled at a media briefing together with other new signings sometimes next week.

It has been a quiet transfer window for Rollers as far as signing new players is concerned, save for Lovemore Morirwa whose move has been contested by ECCO city Greens. After shipping out their best striker, Mogakolodi Ngele to Platinum Stars, Rollers have now also lost their number one goalkeeper, Kabelo Dambe to the same team. Dambe has  joined Platinum Stars on a season-long loan. Tebogo Sembowa also left to join city rivals, Gaborone United (GU). However, the club has managed to keep defender, Agisanyang Ramaabya who signed a two-year contract with the Mascom Top 8 champions. Sekhana Koko will also stay with Rollers for another year after being linked with a return to Chiefs in the past few weeks. Besides Sembowa, GU have also strengthened their midfield with the registration of Jackie Mothatego from Uniao Flamengo Santos. Mothatego arrives following the departure of Ofentse Nato to South African side, Bidvest Wits.