AmaZulu FC complete duo’s signing after wrangle

After a lengthy ownership wrangle, South Africa’s top-flight league team AmaZulu FC have finally concluded the signing of striker Thapelo Matlhoko and right-winger Athini Maqokolo.

The 23-year-old forward Matlhoko and his 21-year-old counterpart Maqokolo joined the Betway Premiership club during the off-season break.

However, the PSL team could not register the duo with the Premier Soccer League owing to an ownership battle with their previous clubs.

In a statement, Usuthu confirmed that they had cleared the loose ends on the player’s ownership status.

“The signings, which had been in negotiation for some time, have finally been wrapped up—clearing the two exciting youngsters to don Usuthu’s green and white colours in the Betway Premiership,” the statement added.

Centre of a legal dispute

Maqokolo found himself at the centre of a legal dispute between AmaZulu and his parent club JDR Stars who had accused the youngster of signing for Arthur Zwane’s team without consent. JDR loaned out Maqokolo to FC Ravens who eventually sold him to the Usuthu.

The transfer happened while JDR, too, had transferred the player to another Betway Premiership side, Richards Bay before AmaZulu had completed the deal. Maqokolo told AmaZulu media that he was relieved to complete his transfer.

“I am so happy to finally be part of AmaZulu (officially). It is something that I have been longing for some time. I’m really happy and I’m looking forward to being fully involved with the team going forward and contributing positively at the club,” said Maqokolo.

Matlhoko, too, had not officially completed his switch from Kruger United to AmaZulu amid reports of some transfer hitches.

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