Rule change could affect Mares duo at Sundowns
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday February 3, 2024 08:43
The football regulatory body in South Africa has come up with new regulations to be in place from the start of the 2024/2025 season.
Teams will only be allowed to sign five foreign players and only three can play at the same time. In addition, teams have been barred from signing foreign goalkeepers hence throwing a shadow of doubt over the future of the local pair in South Africa. Boseja has been with Sundowns since 2021 winning three league championships and the CAF Women's Champions League twice.
The Mares' captain is used sparingly by the Pretoria-based side and could avoid the new set of rules ahead of the next season. She has lived in South Africa since 2017 and qualifies for permanent residence under the country's immigration laws. Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies signed Boseja in 2017 from local champions, Double Action. The player has been in South Africa for seven years while permanent residency can be acquired after five years. Boseja had not responded to MmegiSport's enquiry at press time. Tholakele on the other hand would feel she has done enough to earn a spot inside the five foreign players’ quota.
The forward has just completed her first season with 'Banyana Ba Style' as she joined the team in August 2023. Tholakele scored five goals at the CAF Champions League final and won the coveted Golden Boot award. She was also nominated for CAF Goal of the Year and also short-listed for the CAF Women's Player of the Year award.
The duo is part of three expatriates contracted to the Hollywoodbets Super League champions, alongside, Boitumelo Rabale of Lesotho. The club is said to be looking outside South African borders for talent as they seek continental dominance in the next season.