DStv Premiership side Stellenbosch FC is close to signing a highly-rated Marumo Gallants defender ahead of the new season.
The Winelands outfit aims to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. One of the priority areas is their defence, with indications that Vusi Sibiya could be on his way out.
Ismael Olivier Toure, who starred for the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finalists, is on the Cape Town club’s radar.
STELLENBOSCH FC CLOSE TO SIGNING DEFENDER
The Ivorian featured in 12 matches in the interclub competition, missing only two during the fairytale run.
He was instrumental as the Limpopo outfit went to the competition’s semi-finals despite struggling on the local scene.
While he has a year left on his contract at Gallants, the relegated club know they cannot keep him in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
In fact, Toure, whose contract expires at the end of the 2023/24 season, had caught the interest of SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates.
A source close to the player confirmed that talks were ongoing between the two clubs, and the 25-year-old former Kaizer Chiefs trialist was eager to make the switch.
WANTS TO REMAIN IN THE DSTV PREMIERSHIP
“He’s a quality defender and wants to remain in the DStv Premiership. He’s very interested in the move, and it appears talks between the two clubs are well on course,” the source told FARPost.
As things stand, the source believes Toure will play his football in Stellies next season.
It is, however, unclear how much is on the table for Marumo, who had initially indicated they were eyeing a transfer fee in the region of R10 million for his services.
There is a sense at the club that defender Vusi Sibiya could leave after just one season.
Another source close to Sibiya said the club was open to releasing him just one season after joining them.
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