Mdaka describes Gallants’ new signing Olivier Toure ‘a real coup’

Marumo Gallants coach Raymond Mdaka has described the signing of Olivier Toure as “a real coup” and believes the former Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas defender will be a hit in Bahlabane Ba Ntwa’s backline.

The ex-Kaizer Chiefs trialist, Toure, was unveiled by the Limpopo club a fortnight ago alongside Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Pule Maraisane, who joined Gallants on a season-long loan.

Mdaka has heaped praise on the club’s new signing following his stellar performance in their 1-1 draw in the DStv premiership clash against Swallows FC over the weekend.

Toure, a 25-year-old centre-back, looks to reignite his career under the tutelage of Mdaka, while Romain Folz’s job is on thin ice as Gallants have been so inconsistent this season.

‘Honestly, if you watched the game, there is that player we just take and put into the game. We are pleased about Toure. You see how he is playing. I think he is giving us something, and he assisted us because we got a challenge of injuries. The captain [Lehlohonolo Nonyane] has been out since we started the season, and Ayanda [Nkili] because of injuries. So, the three previous games, we started a new pair altogether,” Mdaka told the media.

“Toure just arrived, and we paired him with Sicelokuhle [Hlatshwayo]. It was a bit risky. We appreciate the work they did for us. He [Toure] came and stabilised the back.

“With a hope and believe that the captain and Ayanda will soon come back to the team so that we are stable at the back as much we can focus on the front we know something is not going to get behind us.”

The side will play their next league game against Chiefs at Royal Bafokeng on Sunday, 11 September, which led to the Polokwane Municipality demanding answers over a decision by Gallants to take their DStv Premiership match against Amakhosi to Rustenburg.