Baroka set to spend
Baroka FC are said to be preparing to go on a shopping spree during the January transfer window. According to a source, the management of the club believe the team are capable of clinching the Absa Premiership, but they will need to add more depth to their squad in order to achieve their goal. “Baroka doesn’t have a big squad, yet the players who are in the team are delivering. The problem is what will happen once our key players suffer injuries or their form drops. We have to prepare for such things, so there is a need to bring in top players who will be able to help the club. The coach has already identified players he wants, it is just a matter of talking to the clubs,” said the source. The Limpopo side are currently on top of the league table with 16 points after nine games, registering four wins, four draws and one defeat. Ndlovu eyeing transfer to Stars
Former Baroka FC striker Nkosinathi Ndlovu (above) is said to be unhappy in the ABC Motsepe League and is now seeking a return to the professional ranks with Free State Stars his likely destination. This is what Phakaaathi sources have revealed. “He was unhappy with what Baroka offered him and he opted not to renew his contract with them. But now he feels he can no longer be playing in the lower ranks and wants a return to the top flight. I heard he might be going to Stars for a trial soon and I hope he makes it because he is a good player,” said a source close to the player. Ndlovu and Thabiso Kutumela were the men to watch for Baroka two seasons ago as they led the pack in the goal-scoring charts in the NFD. Chipeta to meet up with De Sa?
Zimbabwean defender Eric Chipeta (above) is exploring the possibility of reuniting with coach Roger de Sa at Platinum Stars if the 27-year-old impresses during his trial period. Chipeta is out of contract and is busy trying his luck at Stars after he was released by struggling Ajax Cape Town where he was signed by their then coach De Sa two years ago. “I think the trial with Stars is primarily to ascertain just how fit he is because Roger knows him well and he has said he needs to reinforce a number of areas in his squad before he can be satisfied he will be able to turn things around,” said a source close to the Dikwena camp. The Zimbabwean star has previously played for Chippa United in the Absa Premiership. Makhaula winning fitness fight
A source at Free State Stars has revealed to Phakaaathi that midfielder Makhahleni Makhaula (above) has started with rehabilitation and should be fit again to play sooner than it was actually anticipated. Makhaula picked up an injury in September and was expected to come back in December. “The moon boot is off, it’s all about rehabilitation now. The coach wants him to get back into the team, but he won’t rush him because wants Makhahleni to be fully fit. His injury came at a bad time where we even lost one of our senior players in Rooi Mahamutsa. But at least he is now working on getting fit, while it will take a while before Mahamutsa comes back into action,” said the source.