Orapa, Hotspurs dominate transfer market
Staff Writer | Wednesday September 14, 2016 15:32
After finishing third in the league and bagging the Top 8 prize, Orapa United did not rest on their laurels. Instead they went further to beef up their already exciting squad although they lost three important players. The retirement of midfield kingpin, Patrick Motsepe and the departure of two attackers, Thabang Sesinyi and Onkabetse Makgantai will definitely test their ability. Both Sesinyi and Makgantai scored from the bench as Orapa United buried Township Rollers to take the Mascom Top 8 title. They have since brought in Letumile Molebatsi who is expected to fill the void left by Motsepe.
They have also completed the signatures of Obonye Moswate, Khumoetsile Kufigwa, Gosaitse Manuel, Omaatla Kebatho who has been playing in South Africa as well as former Notwane goal poacher, Zebron Ndjovu. Five other players are coming from their development side.
Hotspurs on the other hand opted for experience when they signed Mandlaenkosi Sibanda, Trinity Nko as well as Lesego Motlhabankwe as they look to stay afloat in their first season in the elite league. Other players who have Premier League experience in their new registrations are two former BR Highlanders players, Kgakgamatso Ramatshosa and Alone Ompolokile.
Nico United who lost eight key players were not to be outdone and went on a shopping spree. They registered 12 players amongst them Mpoeleng Mpoeleng and Gaotwesepe Legoreng. However, it was Gilport Lions and Jwaneng Galaxy who seem to have pulled surprise and big name players in the just ended transfer window. Galaxy managed to lure Sekhana Koko from Rollers as well as Thabang Sesinyi, Christopher Musonda and Gaopatwe Seosenyeng from Orapa United, Nico United and Gaborone United (GU) respectively. Gilport Lions on the other hand have signed Patrick Kaunda, Topo Piet, Mosimanegape Ntwaetsile, Ocean Mpofu as well as Ofentse Mmipi.
Rollers were long done with their squad for the coming season before the transfer window was extended after acquiring services of amongst others, Kekaetswe Moloi, Lemponye Tshireletso, Mosha Gaolaolwe and Senegalese striker, Pape Ndaw. Otlantshekela Mooketsi has moved to Extension Gunners while Noah Maposa and Jerome Ramatlhakwana went to Mochudi Centre Chiefs. GU, who usually dominate the transfer market, were quiet this time probably due to their financial struggles.
They have signed just four players, Senyane Refilwe from Sankoyo, Kenamile Mani from Gilport Lions and two former Motlakase players, Tumisang Orebonye and Joseph Nkgoeng. A total of 137 players were registered during the transfer window.