Following the departure of goalkeeper King Ndlovu recently, Marumo Gallants have moved quickly to secure the signature of an international keeper as his replacement.
Ndlovu is set to be unveiled as the latest signing by KwaZulu-Natal side Maritzburg United.
This is after his one-season deal at Bahlabani ba Ntwa came to an end in June. The keeper had a one-year option to extend but opted to leave instead.
Marumo have now roped in Ugandan international Goalkeeper Ismail Watenga who comes on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns.
Watenga played during the friendly match against his parent club in Rustenburg on Saturday.
“He has been here since Saturday. He looks certain to sign,” a source told FARPost.
This publication also sneaked in at the Gallants training session in Polokwane on Monday morning and spotted the former Vipers player.
The 27-year-old spent the past two seasons on loan at Chippa United. He played over 24 matches in all competitions.
Last month Sundowns co-coach Rhulani Mokwena was quoted as saying he expects the keeper to be part of the squad for the upcoming season.
“Watenga’s desire should be to follow in Onyango’s footsteps because he has got huge potential and hopefully, he can be at the club and play,” he was quoted by IOL Sport.
Meanwhile, Marumo are set to assess former Sekhukhune United goalkeeper Ayanda Dlamini. The 30-year-old was recently released by Babina Noko. He is likely to begin training with the squad on Tuesday.
Former Polokwane City goalkeeper Harold Nkwinika has stopped training with Gallants. The 31-year-old trained with Marumo since last week with the hope of securing a contract.
But with the arrival of Watenga and Dlamini, it remains to be seen if the club will recall him anytime soon. Striker Ranga Chivaviro and Lucky Mohomi remain on trial.
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