Mahlatse Makudubela poised to make history in DRC League
Former Young Africans winger Mahlatse ‘Skudu’ Makudubela is on the brink of making history again, this time in the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC].
Skudu, who became the first SA player to compete in Tanzania’s vibrant football league, is set to further his legacy by joining the prestigious ranks of the DRC league.
After leaving Marumo Gallants at the end of the 2021/22 Betway Premiership season, Makudubela spent a season in East Africa. During his Yanga stint, where he was a fan favourite, they lifted the coveted NBC Premier League title and the FA Cup. They also reached the CAF Champions League quarterfinals under Miguel Gamondi’s tutelage.
Following his stint in Tanzania, Makudubela found himself without a team, with links to Rwanda giants APR FC. He was also linked to a return home. However, FARPost can reveal that renowned DRC football giants AS Vita Club have finalised a deal to sign the talented player.
The skilful winger has been on assessment at the club since early this month and has impressed coach Youssouph Dabo. Dabo previously coached Azam FC in Tanzania and knows Makudubela well from their time in Dar es Salaam. In fact, at some point, Azam were chasing the signature of the attacker.
The move makes him the first South African to feature for one of the top teams in the DRC Linafoot.
HISTORY BECKONS MAKUDUBELA
AS Vita Club, one of the most successful clubs in the DRC, is known for nurturing exceptional talents and competing in CAF interclub competitions. On the domestic front, they have won the Linafoot 15 times.
This new chapter in Makudubela’s career promises to offer the 34-year-old an opportunity to leave an indelible mark on DRC football. After 12 matches, Vita Club are at the top of Group B of the Linafoot standings. They have won six, drew four and lost two.
At the end of the season, six teams from Group A and six from Group B will clash to decide the DRC champion. Last season, Vita finished fifth. Skudu, a product of the Transnet School of Excellence, will be hoping to secure another league title in a different country.
The Black Dolphins, founded in 1935, play their home games at the 50,000 seater Stade Tata Raphaël in Kinshasa. He will have to wait a little longer with the league currently paused. The league took a pause to allow for the CHAN competition, which has since been moved to August.
RELATED STORY: Skudu: What could make or break Sead Ramovic at Yanga