Makgantai’s PSL move in doubt

  • SA teams are reluctant to deal with DRC clubs due to the use of TMS system
  • Makgantai’s contract with with AS Vita expires in 2019

LETLHOGILE MPUANG

The 2018 COSAFA Castle Cup top goal scorer Onkabetse Makgantai’s proposed switch to the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) could be in doubt as a result of the poor dealings between SA and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) clubs. Makgantai is currently on loan at Orapa United from DRC’s AS Vita after having joined them in 2016 following his exploits at that year’s COSAFA Castle Cup in Namibia. Failure to adapt to life in the DRC and lack of game time influenced the player to request a temporary move away from the club at the start of this past season.
The move back home has since revived the 23 year old, and he did prove it at the recent regional tournament, netting five goals to finish as the competition’s top goal scorer. It is for the above reason that the player has been strongly linked with a move to the PSL ahead of next season. Chippa United, Baroka FC, Polokwane City, Highlands Park and Golden Arrows have been reported to be amongst a few teams that are believed to be very keen to sign the player.
Orapa United Public Relations Officer (PRO) Kabo William has told Gazette Sport that Arrows was so far the only team that had made an official enquiry about the former Nico United man. Meanwhile another source at the club has told this publication that there is a good possibility that the player might not make his move to SA due to the use of the TMS system by DRC teams. “Besides Arrows we have not been contacted by any team in the PSL regarding Major (Makgantai). We have only read of the interest in SA media, maybe they might be talking to his agent,” said the source.
“The deal would have been easy had it been handled by Orapa United. From what we hear is that South African teams are very reluctant to do business with DRC teams. This is mainly due to the TMS system that they use in DRC. The system is very complicated and its actually the reason why we had the player with us for a long time but he was not able to play when the season started,” added the source. The official further said they were waiting on the player to arrive back in Orapa where they will hold talks with him and his agent.
“We are waiting for him to arrive, we having a meeting with him and his agent today (Monday) and we will discuss the next move. His manager will also shed some light on the rumoured interest. The loan deal we agreed with AS Vita will be in effect until next year (2019), but his contract with Vita expires next year too,” reiterated the official.
“As for Vita recalling him from loan any time soon, that we do not expect as we agreed on the terms of the loan deal which is in 2019. We hope he gets his move, but one thing is that dealing with teams in DRC is very difficult and complicated. You need to be smart when dealing with those guys because if not, everything will fall apart,” concluded the source.