News reaching the KickOff desk is that Thabiso Kutumela, who put in an impressive showing for Bafana Bafana in the African Nations Championship, has been offered to a club in North Africa.
According to a source, African-based agents are actively seeking a new club for Kutumela, who is currently unattached.
READ | Up to you, Mahlambi...
Despite Bafana failing to advance from the tournament’s group stage, the diminutive striker had an incredible tournament, scoring three goals from the four matches played.
As the showpiece designed for local-based players progresses to the quarterfinals in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, he is among the top scorers, alongside Uganda's Allan Okello and Oussama Lamlioui of Morocco (all tied on three goals each)
Although Molefi Ntseki’s men have exited CHAN, the former Mamelodi Sundowns man will always be remembered as one of the best performers of the current edition.
"I am strongly encouraging Al Hilal of Sudan to sign Kutumela, as they are currently in Dar es Salaam for pre-season preparations," an agent, who requested to remain anonymous, tells this website.
"I have known Kutumela for some time and have been following his progress since his days at Orlando Pirates.
"He is an excellent finisher and positions himself well in the 18-yard box. I want to convey a message to the football community that at 32, he is not finished. This is particularly relevant for strikers and goalkeepers. Success depends on how well they maintain their physical condition.
“What is the point of having a young striker who can’t score, create chances, or position himself well in the final third? Young players are important, but they should be complemented with experience.
READ | Chiefs winger’s step up: He will score not less than 15-17 goals this season
"Kutumela's statistics in CHAN speak for themselves: four matches, three goals. What more could you ask for from a striker? His goals were not flukes, he faced some of the best defenders in the tournament,” added the agent.
The anonymous player representative says he does not understand the criteria some club scouts use when evaluating strikers.
“Let's be honest, a player like Kutumela has played for two of the biggest clubs on the continent, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, and has proven himself as one of the top scorers at the CHAN tournament. What more do you want? It can't be a question of age."
Image: CAF
