Betway Premiership side Polokwane City FC has bolstered their attacking options with the signing of former Mamelodi Sundowns and Chippa United winger Giovanni Philander ahead of the new season, FARPost can confirm.
This publication can reveal that the 26-year-old winger has completed a move to the Limpopo-based outfit on a long-term deal following his departure from the Chilli Boys.
Philander spent the last two seasons with the Gqeberha side, having joined them in July 2024. His move to Chippa came on the back of stellar performances for SAFA Western Cape ABC Motsepe League side FN Rangers during the 2024 national playoffs held in Upington, Northern Cape.
The Ajax Cape Town youth product caught the eye of top-flight scouts with his tireless energy, skill, and ability to drive his team [FN Rangers] forward. During his stint with Chippa, Philander made over 30 appearances across all competitions, contributing one goal.
GIOVANNI PHILANDER BECOMES SIXTH SIGNING FOR RISE AND SHINE
A source close to the developments confirmed to this publication that the deal is sealed, with an official unveiling expected soon.
“Well, I can confirm that the boy has joined Polokwane City FC for the new season. I believe the club will make an official announcement in due course,” the source told FARPost.
Philander becomes the sixth new arrival at Rise and Shine as the club prepares for the upcoming campaign. PLK City have been active in the transfer market, having already secured the services of Malebogo Modise, Lucky Malatsi, Vuyo Kopamotse, Mtheto Mosotho, and Tshepang Matube.
Philander brings a wealth of experience across different tiers of South African football. Apart from his time with Chippa and FN Rangers, he featured for Sundowns’ reserve side in the DStv Diski Challenge between 2017 and 2019. He also had a spell with Steenberg United in the National First Division [NFD] during the 2020/21 season.
Polokwane City’s first game of the season will be against Richards Bay FC on Sunday, 2 August, at uMhlathuze Sports Complex. The kick-off is set for 15:00.
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