JDR Stars sign ‘Onyango’-inspired goalkeeper, Phoku
Tebatso Phoku, a goalkeeper whose potential has drawn comparisons to Mamelodi Sundowns’ Denis Onyango, has penned a deal with Motsepe Foundation Championship side JDR Stars.
The young talent, who has earned the nickname ‘Denis Onyango’ for his goalkeeping prowess, joins the PSL from SAFA Limpopo ABC Motsepe League side Ngwaabe City Motors.
The goalkeeper leaves City Motors in 10th place on the log standings in Stream A of the provincial ABC Motsepe League with 10 points from 12 outings.
In those 12 matches, the amateur side managed to register only two victories, draw four, and lose six in the process.
The club will be in action this afternoon [Saturday] against P&S Academy at Ephriam Mohale Stadium. The match will start at 16:00
City Motors are under the tutelage of former Baroka FC mentor Thoka Matsemela, who took over the coaching reins in November 2024.
NGWAABE CITY MOTORS OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON TEBATSO PHOKU JOINING JDR STARS
The amateur side confirmed that Phoku has been given the green light to move to JDR Stars in the PSL.
“Tebatso ‘Onyango’ Phoku has left the club and joined JDR Stars in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. We wish him luck on his new journey,” said the club in a statement.
Meanwhile, JDR are currently fighting for automatic promotion to the Betway Premiership or qualify for the PSL Promotional/Relegation Playoffs. They need to finish in the top three to achieve that.
They are currently placed third in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. The Nditsheni Nemasisi-coached side has collected 32 points from 19 matches. They are five points behind log leaders, Durban City FC. After 19 outings, they have secured nine wins, five draws, and five defeats.
The club hopes to maintain its decent form when it locks horns with Black Leopards. This will be away from home in Venda.
The showdown between JDR and Leopards is set to take place at Thohoyandou Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 15:30.
RELATED STORY: JDR Stars sign FC Sivutsa’s longest-serving captain