One of the stars in Chippa United’s resurgence under coach Gavin Hunt is being touted for a possible move to either Mamelodi Sundowns or Orlando Pir..
One of the stars in Chippa United’s resurgence under coach Gavin Hunt is being touted for a possible move to either Mamelodi Sundowns or Orlando Pirates.
After keeping a clean sheet in both matches in the Chilli Boys’ 2021/22 DStv Premiership campaign, Ugandan goalkeeper Ismail Watenga is believed to be on the radar of Sundowns.
Furthermore, it was revealed by sources close to Pirates that the 26-year-old could be offered to the Soweto giants as a back-up plan for their unconvincing goalkeeping department.
Watenga’s impressive form has helped Chippa to collect four points out of a possible six, against Sekhukhune United and Sundowns respectively, as the Eastern Cape side got off to a flying start in the new season.
Former goalkeeper, Vusumzi Yashe, has been impressed with Watenga’s performances and work-rate.
“From what I understand, Watenga was recommended to Sundowns by his countryman Denis Onyango, when he trained with the team last year. That was around the same time when he was being roped into the national team of Uganda and being nurtured to be Onyango’s successor. I think Sundowns had plans to sign the boy already when Pitso (Mosimane) was still the head coach. I am not surprised to hear that Sundowns is monitoring him, because he came to Mzansi for Sundowns in the first place at the recommendation of Denis. I think the boy will give Sundowns first preference if he has to leave Chippa, but because Sundowns is strong in their goalkeeping department, I cannot rule out a move to Pirates for him,” said Yashe, speaking to the Siya crew.
“As a former goalkeeper myself, I have been vocal on social media about Watenga’s performances. He is a very good goalkeeper and what I like about him is that he’s got the basics of goalkeeping. I am very impressed with him for the way he reads the game so well. If he remains injury-free, he will go far. If you have been following him, he is playing the role of sweeper keeper at Chippa United. His handling skills and positioning are very good. He doesn’t dive that much because his positioning is always good. Luckily, I also communicate with him on social media, and I am always encouraging him. If it happens that he goes to either Pirates or Sundowns, I think one of those two teams would have got themselves a good goalkeeper,” he said.
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