Ndlovu confident of Kebatho’s resurrection at Orapa United

THABANG REGOENG

Orapa United coach Madinda Ndlovu has backed former Vasco Da Gama reject Omaatla ‘Dunga’ Kebatho to relaunch his stalled career at the Ostriches after a mixed spell at the Stellenbosch outfit.
While his efforts levels on the pitch could certainly not be questioned,the 23 year old sat out for large spells of last season through injuries, failing to stake a starting berth claim under Tony de Nobrega’s Vasco side.
Formely on the books of Sankoyo Bush Bucks,the big bulky striker made an impression in the 2015 Cosafa Cup after Peter Butler’s Zebras side bundled out then hosts South Africa.Fast forward 14 months,Dunga has generated disproportionate debates on whether a move to the National First Division (NFD) was ideal,but Ndlovu has stepped up to the defence of his new striker.
“It will not make sense to judge Kebatho on his term at Vasco Da Gama last season,because it was first time in a slightly professional set up out of the country.For us at Orapa before we signed him,we traced back his progress at Sankoyo and in the few matches he has played for the national team.He certainly ticks the boxes to an ideal striker we want to have in our ranks,so we are confident he will  reach his full potential with us,” Ndlovu told Gazette Sport.
Given Vasco da Gama’s strong links with the Portuguese Premiera sides,an international move always  seemed likely to be on cards had the Zebras striker impressed in his tenure. However, his stock has dropped drastically both at club level and internationally but at United it might be his best chance to regain his confidence.
Nonetheless, at United, it will be widely expected that Kebatho will get large chunks of games and be the focal point of Ndlovu’s attacking side. Interestingly, because the striker has now returned to local football,he will be under the watchful eye of Butler as he seeks to claim the overbearing spectre of former Zebras forward Jerome Ramatlhakwana that has been long been impringed on him.
Meanwhile, this publications has learned that the length of Kebatho’s contract at the Ostriches is 2 years for an undisclosed fee.
The  mining club  has embarked on a wide ranging search for attacking reinforcements this summer,with the arrivals of Obonye Moswate,Letumile Molebatsi,Zebron Njobvu and Khumoetsile Kufigwa while Onkabetse Makgantai, Mgcini Sibanda and Thabang Sesinyi have left the Ostriches.
“Look, I want to clear out the misconcerption that has been waving around on Sesinyi’s departure,the boy was talented but he was not influential to us,it was all about team work.There are so many good players in the market but I am  happy with our latest acquisitions so we are going to adhere to the 25 players club quota,” Ndlovu concluded.