Abraw will play for us – Celtic

BLOEMFONTEIN Celtic reacted angrily to reports that Kaizer Chiefs could steal away Togo international striker Camaldine Abraw, who signed a pre-contract with the club.

Abraw is to leave provincial rivals Free State Stars ahead of the new season, but reports emerged last week that Chiefs could hijack the deal as their search for added fire-power up front intensifies.

This has led to an angry response from Celtic owner Max Tshabalala, one of several recently as he hits out at what he sees as inaccurate reporting about his club.

“We are completely baffled by the alleged interest in Abraw by Chiefs,” Tshabalala said.

“After being identified by our technical team as one of the players to be signed for this season, he was approached and subsequent to that we made an offer that he accepted and signed at our offices.

“As far as we know, Abraw will be flying back into the country when he is done with his international duties.

“The team is ready to compete and with players like Abraw we will be able to challenge for silverware.”

Abraw netted five goals in 12 league stars for Stars last season, his second in the PSL after leaving French lower league side Châteauroux in 2013.

He is the third confirmed signing for Celtic after Thabang Mutuka from Maritzburg United and another forward, Uganda international Geofrey Massa, who comes in from University of Pretoria.

Tshabalala reacted angrily last week when a report appeared suggesting the club was ready to sell top-scorer Lerato Lamola, but that Bidvest Wits had been put off by their asking price.

“I want to make it distinctively clear that Lerato Lamola is the most integral part of the team. We have never discussed with any team his possible transfer,” he said.