Young starlet dazzles
A source in the Kaizer Chiefs camp has revealed to Phakaaathi that the club is monitoring 20-year-old Zimbabwean starlet Clive Rupiya (above), who is already being compared to Mamelodi Sundowns forward Khama Billiat in his country. Rupeya, who plays for Bulawayo City has made a good impression in his first season in top flight football. “The club heard about this boy sometime last year. Our people in Zimbabwe have told us that he is a very talented player, he just needs to be shown the ropes. Otherwise, he should be a good signing for the club,” said the source.
Modest Mokoena keeps it real
SuperSport United youngster Teboho Mokoena (above) told Phakaaathi he does not expect to win any individual award at the Premier Soccer League’s end of season awards. The national Under-20 player has been nominated for the Nedbank Cup Young Player-of-the-Tournament and the Nedbank Player-of-the-Tournament, and is a favourite to walk away with both as Matsatsantsa successfully defended the cup. “I am not expecting anything and I will not say I deserve this one or that one. I did the best I could to help the team this season and for me that is the most satisfying part of the game,” he said.
Innocent champing at the bit
A source close to Orlando Pirates defender Innocent Maela (above) says the youngster is looking forward to making a name for himself at the club after his loan spell with Thanda Royal Zulu ended. The youngster captained
Amabhubesi on their way to Absa Premiership promotion. “He is over the moon, he just can’t wait to play for Pirates. He always knew that the club will recall him once he did well at Thanda. He is looking forward to a new challenge,” said the source. Maela’s contribution at Thanda saw him get a call-up to Bafana Bafana for the Cosafa Cup, which is currently being played in Rustenburg.
Soweto the place to be for Teko
Rumours of former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfield wizard Teko Modise (above) joining a Soweto giant are intensifying, as the 34-yearold veteran has been linked with a return to Orlando Pirates, as well as their rivals Kaizer Chiefs. A footballer close to Modise, who spoke to Phakaaathi on condition of anonymity, revealed Modise wants to play in the top-flight and wants to stay in Gauteng. “The guy was earning a huge salary at Sundowns, and he needs to stay in Gauteng because he has a family here. So it will have to be one of the big teams because he still wants to earn a good salary”.