/ 21 January 2005

Stars snap up DRC striker

Former Democratic Republic of Congo international striker Emeka Mamale has joined Premiership side Silver Stars in a last ditch effort to revive his professional career.

”We are delighted to have signed a seasoned striker of Emeka’s calibre”, said Stars general manager Thamaga Mokgophi in Polokwane on Thursday.

”Emeka has been training with us for three weeks after a stint in Angola. The player terminated the contracts after a dispute with the owners of the Angolan club.

”Our coaches were impressed by Emeka’s commitment at training, but he will only start playing for us in an official game when the window period opens in February.

”We have always wanted an aggressive striker to partner Dingaan Masanabo, our main aim is to finish the season in the top eight bracket,” added Mokgophi.

Some of the South African clubs that Mamale has played for in the past include Kaizer Chiefs and QwaQwa Stars (now renamed Free State Stars).

The Limpopo side is also likely to sign young dribbling wizard, Paul Mabitsela from an amateur club in Seshego outside Polokwane.

”The coach [Owen Da Gama] and his assistants are still assessing him. He has been training with us for two weeks,” said Mokgophi. – Sapa