While Kaizer Chiefs continue their wide-ranging player search ahead of the new season, a coastal PSL outfit appears to have moved decisively to secure one of their reported targets.
A transfer market insider with connections across multiple tiers of South African football has indicated that AmaZulu FC have signed one of Amakhosi's targets.
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The insider with intimate knowledge of the negotiations added that Usuthu are set to sign highly sought-after Kruger United striker Thapelo Matlhoko, who was also reportedly on the wanted list of Orlando Pirates, Golden Arrows and Marumo Gallants.
"Yes, Thapelo Matlhoko has signed for AmaZulu FC. Everything is done and finalised. It's believed that it's a three-year contract. The club is building a strong team for the future and this is one of the few players that the club has started signing," the insider told Soccer Laduma.
Meanwhile, a specialist embedded very close to Usuthu's football operations stated that they are still looking at other departments which they need to strengthen going forward.
"You know the club has released a few players and they are looking at replacing them in all those departments and with Thapelo (Matlhoko) believed to have signed a three-year contract they are looking at other players and by the end of the month they will have a clear way forward," the second insider revealed.
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While playing for Kruger United in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, the 22-year-old scored a few goals after participating in most matches in this past season.
Soccer Laduma contacted AmaZulu FC for comment on the situation but there was no response at the time of publishing this story.
The expected acquisition of Matlhoko represents a significant coup for AmaZulu, who have beaten several clubs to the young player's signature. How quickly Matlhoko adapts to the step up from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to the Betway Premiership will be closely watched by those clubs who missed out on his signature.
