Betway Premiership side Marumo Gallants have bolstered their squad with the acquisition of promising midfielder Ntsako Mathebula following his release from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Lerumo Lions FC.
This publication can confirm that the 22-year-old put pen to paper with Bahlabane Ba Ntwa to kickstart a new chapter in South Africa’s top flight.
Mathebula leaves the Sibongile Marokana-owned outfit sitting third on the National First Division [NFD] table with 17 points from nine matches, just three points adrift of log leaders Cape Town City FC.
The midfielder was one of the important players for the North West-based side, bringing valuable second-tier experience, having previously featured for Pretoria Callies in the NFD.
HOW NTSAKO MATHEBULA’S MOVE TO MARUMO GALLANTS UNFOLDED
A source close to the developments revealed to FARPost that Mathebula’s release from Lerumo Lions was handled amicably to facilitate the top-flight move outside the primary transfer window.
“What I can tell you is that the player was released by Lerumo Lions amicably so that he could sign with Marumo Gallants as a free agent, since the transfer window period has closed,” the source told FARPost.
“I can assure you that this decision was made because the club [Lerumo Lions] believed this was a good opportunity for the boy, as they also want to see him grow as a footballer. He didn’t leave the club because anything was wrong. He was released so that he could take this opportunity at Marumo Gallants, as they couldn’t wait for the next transfer window period.”
The insider further disclosed that the midfielder underwent an extensive trial period with the Ronnie Kanalelo-led side before finalising the deal.
“He spent about three weeks training with Marumo Gallants, and he impressed the club’s management and the technical team,” the source added.
Mathebula will now be looking to establish himself in the Betway Premiership as Gallants aim to move out of the relegation zone.
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