Ex-Richards Bay captain Maphathe resurfaces at Maritzburg United
Ex-Richards Bay FC captain Katlego Maphathe has resurfaced at Maritzburg United ahead of the 2024/25 Motsepe Foundation Championship season.
Maphathe has been a free agent since parting ways with Cape Town Spurs who were relegated from the SA’s top-flight last season. The Urban Warriors spent just one season in the Premiership after gaining promotion at the start of last season.
The Bloemfontein-born defender was signed by CT Spurs during the 2024 January transfer window on a free transfer.
Maphathe spent six months in the books of CT Spurs under the guidance of Ernst Middendorp and he featured in 13 appearances across all competitions and scored one goal.
Before penning a short-term deal with CT Spurs, Maphathe was with Richards Bay for seven seasons. He surprisingly left Bay in October 2023 after a fallout with club management.
Meanwhile, the 31-year-old was on trials at the Betway Premiership side Sekhukhune United but they decided against signing him.
Babina Noko have since moved swiftly to sign Shaun Mogaila to fill the void left by Nyiko Mobbie at right-back position.
MAPHATHE COULD REUNITE WITH SIMO DLADLA
Interestingly, Maphathe could reunite with Simo Dladla at Maritzburg United having worked with him at Richards Bay a few seasons ago.
“Katlego Maphathe has started training with Maritzburg United after an unsuccessful trials with Sekhukhune United. Maphathe is in a very good shape and finding a club will not be a problem,” a source told FARPost.
“Before signing with Cape Town Spurs, he was a free agent for a couple of months but he was very quick to establish himself as a regular starter.
“So this is a player who comes with leadership qualities. He can also play as right-back, right-footed centre-back, and right-winger.” a source close to the player concluded.
‘The Team of Choice’ will be looking to improve on their fourth-place finish in the Motsepe Foundation last season.
Maritzburg marginally missed out on the PSL Promotional playoffs after finishing behind AmaTuks and Baroka FC, who finished second and third respectively.
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