Former Sekhukhune United head coach Brandon Truter has revealed how he clinched a deal with Kamohelo Mokotjo, whose rumoured move to Kaizer Chiefs did not materialise after he returned from Europe.
Mokotjo was available as a free agent from November 2021 after he left Major League Soccer club Cincinnati.
However, news of the former SuperSport United midfielder being available to play in the PSL caught late, as he was only heavily linked with a move to Chiefs in the off-season.
Truter, who was instrumental in Mokotjo joining Babina Noko instead of Amakhosi, says he was well aware in advance that the player, who was back in the country, had fitness issues and his promise to the Bafana Bafana midfielder to get him back to Europe gave him and Sekhukhune the advantage.
"Kamo did some research on me, before I went for him as well - it was vice-versa. We were well aware of his injury, coming back to South Africa," Truter told KickOff in an exclusive interview.
"Having followed his career, having seen him play for the national team and for previous clubs as well and also having a conversation with him on what we're trying to do at Sekhukhune, trying to build at Sekhukhune, we reached an agreement (for him) to come on board.
"But ja, I think Kamo's ambition, I think still is to go back to Europe considering that he has a European passport, he will play as a local," he added.
"At that stage, the talk was getting him back to the field, getting him back to his best and see what happens from there."
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The former AmaZulu FC tactician went on and declared Mokotjo one of the best deep-lying playmakers in the country based on his performances for the club this season.
"Right now, he's one of the best deep-lying playmakers, the number six in the league," he continued.
"I think nobody comes close. Maybe Teboho Mokoena, but Kamo Mokotjo is right up there. On and off the field, he's a top professional. The way he's playing now, he has shown that he's capable of going back (to Europe), because he's able to play as local in Europe. He will get the opportunity to go back," added Truter.
Mokotjo has played for the likes of Feyenoord, PEC Zwolle, FC Twente and Brentford in Europe.
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