A local club has signed an Ivorian veteran ahead of the new season, writes Robert Matakanye.
Motsepe Foundation Championship side Venda Football Academy have completed the signing of Ivorian goalkeeper Abdoul Karim Cisse, FARPost can confirm.
An official at the club who deals with recruiting players confirmed to this website that it was a done deal.
The 36-year-old arrived at the club last month, and coach Michael Loftman has impressed his work rate at training.
Loftman recently joined the Limpopo side, replacing Johnny Ferreira, who was relieved of his duties.
Now without Ntokozo Mtsweni, who kept goal for VFA last season but has since returned to his parent club Sekhukhune United, the club decided to recruit the Ivorian shot-stopper.
Cisse was most recently playing for SC Gagnoa back home after moving from Asec Mimosa. He has previously played for the national team.
The former Issia Wazi star comes with lots of experience after playing 27 games in the Caf Champions League. He kept 15 clean sheets in the Caf Confederation Cup and the Caf Champions League.
His presence will be important for Loftman’s youthful side. The British coach, Loftman, who had stints with Orlando Pirates, recently said the Venda Football Academy project was a fascinating opportunity to develop players and compete with some great teams in the second tier.
Loftman’s last job was with the Egypt national team, where he served as an analyst under Carlos Quieroz. He, however, quit the position just before the Africa Cup of Nations started in January.
At the time, he told FARPost that he returned to South Africa, where he wanted to settle and make an impact in the game.
He takes over a club that achieved a fifth-place finish in their debut campaign in the first division this past season and will be hoping for a better finish.
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