Gaborone United sign Bulgarian midfielder Nikolay Pantev

Botswana Premier League champions Gaborone United have bolstered their squad with the signing of European midfielder Nikolay Pantev ahead of the 2025/26 FNB Premiership season, which kicks off on August 15. The Reds confirmed the arrival of the Bulgarian in a statement released on Thursday, July 3.

“We are happy to announce the signing of Nikolay Pantev from Bulgaria. Nikolay joins The Reds from Spartak Varna. The 23-year-old midfielder joins Gaborone United on a one-year deal until 2026,” the statement reads.

It is unclear if the left-footed player is related to United’s Bulgarian coach Gaborone Nicholaev Dimitri Pantev. Nikolay Pantev has been on the books of Bulgarian teams such as Botev Novi Pazar FC.

The Bulgarian player’s arrival is in line with United’s quest to compete strongly in the 2025-2026 CAF Champions League.

Meanwhile, the Reds have also signed goalkeeper Tshepo Mooketsi from fellow FNB Premiership side TAFIC on a two-year contract.

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