Ookame steps into Kebatho’s boots
Larona Makhaiza | Saturday August 12, 2023 06:00
He shared the golden boot award, netting 23 goals alongside his now-teammate Thabang Sesinyi. Kebatho's departure leaves a void in the team's attacking line-up, but Orapa United's Public Relations Officer, Amelton Gaefhele, expressed confidence in their new signing, Eric Ookame, who arrives from Eleven Angels. Ookame was introduced as an Ostriches player yesterday.
Gaefhele said Ookame has an impressive potential to make a mark at Orapa United, stating, 'Kebatho is a senior player who is very experienced and knew how to get goals for us and we wish him the best in his new endeavours but Ookame has a great opportunity to be a better player at Orapa United.' Gaefhele recognised that Ookame, at 22-years-old, faces the challenge of filling Kebatho's shoes, given Kebatho's status as the joint top scorer last season. However, Gaefhele cautioned against drawing direct comparisons between Ookame and Kebatho.
'Ookame is just a young player who played his first league season in the just-ended campaign and this upcoming season will be his second, so people should give him time to grow,' Gaefhele emphasised. Praising Ookame's potential, Gaefhele predicted that he would evolve into a prominent player in the future and become one of the country's lethal strikers. Orapa United have been highly active in the transfer window, closely following Township Rollers. This week alone, the Orapa-based club announced five signings, including Ookame.
The other additions consist of Keagile Kgosipula, Tshepho Malgas, Thabo Metlhayotlhe, and Ivan Kamberipa. All five players have signed two-year contracts and Gaefhele believes the club's transfer activities are complete.
He stated: 'We have a capable squad that can win us the league and trophies and we do not anticipate any more signings unless an opportunity avails itself because football is dynamic.' Preparations for the upcoming season are underway, with Orapa participating in the 'Northern Big 6' tournament this weekend. Gaefhele remarked: 'Pre-season has been going well and we are now getting ready for the tournament coming up this weekend and we will use the tournament to try new formations.' Sua Flamingoes have also been active in the transfer market. Mandla Mpofu's team released two players, Rodi Sibanda and Botsile Morotsi, this week. Morotsi's departure follows a four-year stint, while Sibanda leaves after being acquired in January this year.