Zimbabwe international midfielder Jonah Fabisch has signed a long-term contract with Golden Arrows following his recent visit to South Africa, FARPost can confirm.
The 24-year-old arrived in Johannesburg on 22 July with interest from several Betway Premiership clubs after leaving German 3. Liga outfit Erzgebirge Aue.
Fabisch spent a few days in Durban before returning to Europe to consider his options. Indications are that the talented midfielder was initially reluctant to leave Europe, with proposals from overseas lower-tier clubs also on the table.
FARPost understands that Arrows ultimately won the race for his signature as they aggressively sought a replacement for Ivorian midfielder Isaac Cisse. Cisse recently left the club for Belgium’s RC Sporting Charleroi after just one season in the PSL.
The Warriors midfielder is expected to return to South Africa to start life in KZN in the next few days. Abafana Bes’thende also beat off competition from a number of clubs that had been tracking him, securing the services of a player entering the prime of his career.
WHICH PSL CLUBS CONSIDERED JONAH FABISCH?
AmaZulu FC were among the clubs that initially showed interest in Fabisch. However, Usuthu opted against pursuing a deal after bolstering their midfield with the signing of Gape Moralo. The club also has Luyolo Slatsha and Liam Bern already providing options in defensive midfield.
Stellenbosch FC are also understood to have considered Fabisch, who turns 25 next week, after he was believed to have been recommended by Zimbabwe Warriors goalkeeper coach Pernell McKop. McKop also serves as the Cape Winelands club’s goalkeeper mentor.
It is further understood that Zimbabwe head coach Kaitano Tembo, who is part of Sekhukhune United’s technical structures, may also have suggested the midfielder to Babina Noko as they assessed their transfer options.
Fabisch’s composure in midfield, technical quality and intelligence on the ball made him one of the most sought-after free agents available to PSL clubs this window. The midfielder is the son of the late Reinhard Fabisch, the highly respected German coach who enjoyed a distinguished career in Africa, managing Mamelodi Sundowns as well as the Zimbabwe and Kenya national teams.
WHY GOLDEN ARROWS WON THE RACE FOR FABISCH
Born in Nairobi during his father’s spell in charge of the Harambee Stars, Fabisch was eligible to represent Germany, Kenya and Zimbabwe at international level. He ultimately chose Zimbabwe through his mother and has since established himself as a key figure in the Warriors setup.
The switch to the Betway Premiership marks an important new chapter in his career. South Africa’s top flight is widely regarded as one of Africa’s strongest leagues and provides him with a bigger platform to showcase his qualities.
Regular football in the PSL should also strengthen his standing in the Zimbabwe national team while potentially opening the door to bigger opportunities elsewhere on the continent and beyond.
Speaking to FARPost during the 2025 AFCON, Fabisch explained why representing Zimbabwe was never a difficult decision.
“For me, it was because of my parents,” Fabisch told FARPost. “My mom is Zimbabwean. I’m very close to my family in Zimbabwe. My dad obviously also had a connection to the Zimbabwe national team from being a coach. My gut feeling just told me I wanted to play for Zimbabwe.”
Having come through Hamburger SV’s youth academy and spent his entire club career in Europe, Fabisch now begins a fresh challenge with Arrows, where he will be aiming to make an immediate impact in the Betway Premiership.
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