Exclusive: Gaborone United explain Bulgarian’s signing

Botswana’s Gaborone United director, Nicolas Zakhem, has explained why they signed Bulgarian midfielder Nikolay Pantev.

The 23-year-old is among the FNB Premiership champions’ five recruits of this transfer window ahead of the domestic league’s kick-off on August 15, 2025.

In an exclusive interview with Pan-Africa Football, Zachem said the squad reinforcements were part of a broader strategy to defend the domestic league title and compete strongly in the 2025-26 CAF Champions League.

“We want to defend the title and progress in the CAF Champions League. We are getting one more player from Ivory coast. We will sign six players in total,” he explained.

The director echoed what he earlier told Pan-Africa Football after winning the domestic league title in Botswana. “We have the core of the team, but when you are playing in the CAF Champions League, you need fresh legs and different ideas,” Zakhem explained.

The arrival of Pantev cements such remarks. The left-footed player was also on the books of Bulgarian side such as Botev Novi Pazar FC back home in Bulgaria. Pantev has joined United from Spartak Varna on a one- year deal until 2026.

Meanwhile, the Reds have also signed goalkeeper Tshepo Mooketsi from fellow FNB Premiership side TAFIC on a two-year contract. Other recent arrivals are Omphile Pist Ramoagi and Shaun Phillip.

United will begin their defence of the 2025/26 FNB Premiership against rookies, Caledar Stars, at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium on Saturday 16 August 2025.

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