CAPE TOWN – He is one of the brightest young stars in South African football, and now he will play at one of the biggest clubs in Africa.
Wits wunderkind Phakamani Mahlambi, who inspired the SA Under-23 team to qualify for the Rio Olympics, has joined Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
Independent Media reported earlier this week that Mahlambi was set to move to North Africa, with Wits CEO Jose Ferreira confirming that they were in discussions with Al Ahly.
The 19-year-old Mahlambi was also in negotiations with Mamelodi Sundowns, but the two clubs were unable to agree to terms.
Read: How IOL Sport reported Phakamani Mahlambi’s impending move to Al Ahly
But on Thursday evening, Wits tweeted: “Bidvest Wits confirms the permanent transfer of P. Mahlambi to CAF African Club of the Century, Al Ahly SC. Good luck and do us proud.”
Mahlambi would’ve been playing Caf Champions League football with Wits anyway, but a move to a big club such as Al Ahly may just open the doors for a possible opportunity in Europe in future.
The right winger had a trial at Portuguese club Vitoria Guimaraes recently, but no deal was concluded.
Al Ahly also recently loaned striker Amr Gamal to Wits.
Mahlambi’s four-year deal comes just a few hours after Lebogang Manyama completed his transfer to Turkish club Konyaspor from Cape Town City.
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