It’s a Gift for City in record deal
Cape Town City have confirmed the capture of Bafana Bafana left-winger Gift Links in what the team describes as a “club record fee” for the 19-yearold.
The Dispatch previously reported that Links was on his way out of Egyptian side Pyramids FC after that club underwent a major overhaul following its sale to Saudi Arabian billionaire Turki Al al-Sheikh.
“Cape Town City is delighted to announce the acquisition of 19-year-old South African international‚ Gift Links! The attacking midfielder signs a fiveyear-deal‚ joining City for a club record fee from Egyptian Premier League outfit Pyramids FC‚” City confirmed yesterday morning.
Links adds to the considerable left-sided options of coach Benni McCarthy thanks includes Surprise Ralani‚ Ayanda Patosi and Lyle Lakay.
The teenager made his debut for Bafana in the recent Cosafa Cup in Polokwane‚ impressing in the wins over Namibia (4-1) and Botswana (3-0).
That was after an excellent six months in Egypt with Pyramids‚ who were then known as Al Assiouty before their rebranding‚ which followed a surprise move from Platinum Stars in January 2018.
He made 11 appearances in the second half of the campaign and drew interest from other clubs in Egypt‚ before deciding to return to South Africa.
Links made his PSL debut in February 2017 for Stars against Baroka FC but had made just eight appearances in the South African league.
● Experienced midfielder Toriq Losper is the latest player to leave Ajax Cape Town after the club declined the option to extend his contract.
The 26-year-old has been at Ikamva for 17 years‚ bar an illfated six month loan spell away at Bidvest Wits‚ but joins fellow midfielder Travis Graham as the latest academy product exiting the club this transfer window.
He is one of a number from last season’s squad to leave the side‚ with Tendai Ndoro‚ Gerald Takwara and Neo Makua released‚ while loan players Yannick Zakri‚ Siyanda Zwane‚ Rheece Evans (all Sundowns)‚ Fagrie Lakay (SuperSport United) and Tercious Malepe (Orlando Pirates) have all returned to their clubs.
Justin Jacobus‚ Junaid Sait and Roscoe Pietersen have also not been involved in training in the last week‚ with the former rumoured to be linking up with Maritzburg United.