Makgantai completes move to DRC

• Signed a two year deal yesterday (Monday)
•  Player expected to earn USD 5,500 monthly wages
•  Orapa United to profit a transfer fee around P500K

LETLHOGILE MPUANG

2014/15 be Mobile Premier League Young Player of the season Onkabetse Makgantai has completed a surprise move to DRC giants AS Vita club from Orapa United. Makgantai, who joined the mining side during the January transfer window, from his home side Nico United, was recently part of the national team’s impressive fate which saw the locals become runners up at the 2016 COSAFA Castle Cup, and in the process the 21 year old player was voted the tournament’s best player.
For his brilliant showing at the competition, ‘Major’ as the player is known in the local football circles, has been a subject of speculation this transfer window, with several clubs from outside the country declaring interest in the player.
Despite spending a week on trials with newly promoted South African Premier Soccer League outfit Baroka FC last month, where it was reported that the player had failed to impress the team’s technical staff, Gazette Sport can reveal that the player has finally made his switch from last season’s Mascom Top 8 winners.
According to a source close to the player, the winger-cum striker finally inked a two year deal with the DRC giants on Monday. “The deal was long done, all that was left was for the player to sign which he did today (Monday), having arrived in DRC on Saturday,” said the source.
The source further said, the decision in joining Vita Club was an easy one for the player, despite having other offers.
“Vita’s offer was far beyond what others were offering. Platinum Stars were keen on the player, but they just would not pay the US Dollars 5,500 (Approximately P58,450) monthly wages that Vita had offered, so it was an easy decision to make for him (Makgantai),” added the source.
“As part of the deal, Orapa United will get something around P500, 000, since the player still had a contract running with the club, and both parties are happy with the way the deal went,” ended the source. Reached for comment from Kinsasha, Makgantai confirmed that he had signed for the Congolese side.
“Am here in DRC,  I have joined AS Vita. I am happy to be joining the second biggest club in DRC,”  said Makgantai. “Everything is going well here, the weather is good, very similar to what we have back home, so I cannot really complain. I am looking forward to the challenge,” briefly said the talented player.
The Zebras star becomes the fourth Motswana player to ply his trade in DRC, after former Mochudi Centre Chiefs trio Phenyo Mongala, Jerome Ramatlhakwana and Dirang Moloi joined Don Bosco back in 2013.