Mobara: Wits score in big exchange deal
Jonty Mark
Bidvest Wits look set to sign Abbubaker Mobara from Orlando Pirates in a swap deal that will see Clever Boys midfielder Xola Mlambo go to the Buccaneers. Phakaaathi Plus understands that the transfer should be confirmed sometime next week, with Wits coach Gavin Hunt keen on strengthening his defence for the second half of the season.
“We will get a big one (rightback) tomorrow,” said Wits coach Gavin Hunt after his side had bounced back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory at home to SuperSport United on Wednesday night.
Hunt appears to have slightly jumped the gun, with some work to be done before a deal is completed, but there is no doubt Wits will have landed a highly-rated young player in Bafana Bafana international Mobara, who can play rightback, centreback, or even defensive midfield,
Mobara joined Pirates from Ajax Cape Town at the start of the 2016/17 season, and it is a little strange that Pirates seem to be prepared to let a talented 23-year-old go midway through his second campaign with the Buccaneers, even if they have signed Diamond Thopola from Chippa United.
Wits’ willingness to let Mlambo leave is more understandable, with the former Chippa man competing for a place in defensive midfield at Wits with the likes of Thabang Monare, Ben Motshwari, Phum- lani Ntshangase and now January signing Edwin Gyimah.
Wits will have to make changes to their defence again on Sunday, meanwhile, as they travel to face Chippa United without Bongani Khumalo, who is suspended after picking up a fourth booking of the season against SuperSport.
Hunt said he was, however, hopeful of having Ghanaian-born German Denis Weidlich available after his transfer from Maritzburg United.
“We will see what we can do,” said the Wits coach, who has been happy with the way the new signings that the Clever Boys have already made in January have settled in.
Gyimah, Sifiso Myeni and Lehlohonolo Majoro all started the loss to Free State Stars and the win over SuperSport.