Veteran defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele is on the cusp of a move to newly promoted Orbit College FC, as the ambitious club seeks to infuse its squad with much-needed experience.
‘Rama’ is a free agent following his departure from AmaZulu FC at the end of last season and is now poised to bring his decorated career to the Rustenburg-based side.
A two-time league winner with Mamelodi Sundowns, Mphahlele, who spent three years at AmaZulu after leaving Kaizer Chiefs, was key for Usuthu last season, making 17 appearances, many of them while wearing the captain’s armband. The 2016 African champion has reportedly been training with Orbit College for the past two weeks, making a strong impression on the technical team.
The club’s head coach, Pogiso Makhoye, confirmed that they were indeed closing in on the talented defender.
“We’re finalising soon,” Makhoye confirmed to FARPost. Orbit’s interest in Mphahlele, who has garnered over 400 appearances in the South African topflight, is reportedly motivated by the significant influence the 35-year-old is known to have on young players.
Most recently, during the CHAN, Mphahlele’s influence extended beyond the defensive line, notably impacting Mamelodi Sundowns defender Malibongwe Khoza.
The 21-year-old Khoza credited Mphahlele for some advice early in the tournament that led him to switch to midfield for the rest of the competition.
The mid-game tactical change proved to be a turning point, as Khoza carried this momentum through the remainder of the tournament from the midfield and has since reclaimed a starting place at Sundowns.
RAMAHLWE MPHAHLELE SPOTTED AT ORBIT GAMES
Orbit hopes that the mentorship and on-field leadership of the former Sundowns and Chiefs defender will steady the ship. The North West-based side, which won the promotional playoffs, is currently 13th in the Betway Premiership table and has faced a challenging start to their top-flight campaign.
They have secured only two wins and one draw, along with seven losses, after 10 matches across all competitions.
Mphahlele has reportedly been “impressive in training,” mirroring his commendable form at CHAN, and the technical team is eager to finalise a contract. Interestingly, the Limpopo-born star has already been spotted at an Orbit home game and even travelled to Durban to watch their match against his former side, AmaZulu.
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