Katlego Mashego, a free agent who had been training with Bidvest Wits for several weeks now, has joined Chippa United, the club announced this afternoon.
The 34-year-old striker walked away from reigning Absa Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns when his contract expired at the end of the previous season following delays in negotiations over a new deal. Being a former SuperSport United player and having worked with Wits coach Gavin Hunt in the past, he was allowed to keep fit at Milpark until he found a new home.
“We are struggling a bit upfront and could not look any further than Katlego, who was immediately available to us,” said Chippa chairman Siviwe Mpengesi. “He is a player that brings a lot of experience to the team and his talent and knack for scoring goals is not in doubt. We are aware of his ability and what he is going to bring to our young side.”
Mashego finished the 2012-13 season as the league’s top scorer with 14 goals while he was playing for Moroka Swallows. He also helped SuperSport, Orlando Pirates and Sundowns to win the championship during his stints with all those clubs and has made 22 appearances for Bafana Bafana.
On his move to Chippa, he said: “When I heard that coach Dan Malesela was interested in me, I did not think twice about coming down here (Port Elizabeth). Chippa United is a great team and they play football the right way. I am excited to be here and look forward to contributing to the club.”
Malesela’s men coincidentally face Wits tonight at Dobsonville Stadium and are desperate to end a four-game winless streak in all domestic competitions having gotten off to a bright start that took them to the semi-finals of the MTN8, where they were beaten by Sundowns over two legs.
Follow Mazola Molefe on Twitter@superjourno
Independent Media