SuperSport United have made a decision on veteran striker Thamsanqa Gabuza’s future.
The former Orlando Pirates forward’s contract with the Pretoria side expired at the end of June. Gabuza was not part of the first group that started training on 27 June, refusing to be involved before his new deal was sorted.
At the time, there was talk of interest from teams such as Royal AM, Sekhukhune United and AmaZulu.
But after some long-drawn talks which began before the end of the season, the two parties have officially agreed on a new deal.
The club is yet to officially confirm the duration of the new contract, but this publication has gathered that Gabuza committed to the club for two more seasons.
“He insisted he wanted a longer contract. The club was offering a year,” a source close to the player told FARPost.
The 34-year-old proved to be one of the important players in the SuperSport’s youthful team last season, scoring seven goals and also wearing the captain armband in some of the matches.
Speaking to FARPost on Wednesday on the sidelines of the club’s pre-season camp in Polokwane, the former Orlando Pirates and Golden Arrows striker expressed his delight in the club showing faith in him.
“I don’t want to lie. My contract was coming to an end, but there was no club that I was talking to. So, I have renewed my contract with SuperSport again,” said Gabuza.
“I was very happy to have stayed at SuperSport. As you know, there are a lot of youngsters, and there is a lot of potential and a lot of youngsters are coming up and doing good, so I am glad that they have renewed my contract and I am happy to stay at the club again.”
“There is room for improvement. As you could see seven goals and this season I will try and do my best again. Hopefully I will score more than seven.”
During his three years at the club, Gabuza has managed to score 20 times in over 89 appearances. Last season, with Ronwen Williams out injured, Gabuza captained the young side.
With Williams set to cross the floor to join Tshwane rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, Gabuza is one of the leaders newly appointed coach may appoint skipper. The club also has new defender Thulani Hlatshwayo, who previously captained Bidvest Wits under Hunt and Orlando Pirates.
Botswana international Thatayaone Ditlhokwe is also another leader in the Matsatsantsa dressing room, having captained the Zebras at the age of 21.
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