Having signed a three-year deal with Esperance on Wednesday, ex-Sekhukhune United man Elias Mokwana has been sent a reminder of how highly he is regarded by his new employers after being handed a jersey number once worn by a club legend.
Mokwana was welcomed by a handful of fans when he reported for his first training session with his new team on Thursday.
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Esperance are believed to have sent an amount of R15 million to Sekhukhune United's bank account number to secure the services of the speedy player.
Mokwana has since been handed jersey number 7, which he will be wearing for his new club this coming season.
The 24-year-old's agent, Pontsho Madumo, says his client has received a warm welcome from the North African giants who finished as runners-up of the CAF Champions League last season.
"I am at training as we speak. This is his first training session. There are a lot of fans that are here. They are excited to see him. They are shouting his name," Madumo told KickOff when contacted about the latest developments in the player's career.
"The boy is excited. They have handed him jersey number 7. It's a big move for him. This is good for South African football. I think his move might open many opportunities for South African players to come and play here," he added.
One of the most prominent former stars to have worn the jersey at Esperance is Tarek Thabet, who spent his entire career from 1990 to 2004 at the club. Following the end of his playing career, he ventured into a coaching career, and is actually current coach Miguel Cardoso's predecessor having been in charge from October 2023 to January 2024.
Furthermore, the former defender was a member of Tunisia's national team during the World Cup tournaments of 1998 and 2002.
So, if the club's new recruits thinks the jersey number handed to him is just an ordinary one, he better think again.
Mokwana was particularly outstanding for the national team during the FIFA Series international friendly games against Andorra and Algeria, notably receiving praise from the legendary Doctor Khumalo, who said he was one to watch for the future.
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He is believed to have been on the wanted list of Kaizer Chiefs before he completed his move to Esperance, and despite reportedly submitting an improved offer after their initial one was turned out, Amakhosi eventually lost out to the North Africans.
FIFA Club World Cup football now awaits the winger in June 2025.