Mamelodi Sundowns youngsters set to join AmaTuks on loan

University of Pretoria are set to strengthen their squad with several Mamelodi Sundowns players on loan for the new Motsepe Foundation Championship season, including Oarabile Booysen and Vincent Sithole.

AmaTuks have been preparing for the upcoming campaign under new head coach Michael Loftman, who previously worked as part of Rhulani Mokwena’s technical team at Sundowns.

Booysen and Sithole have trained with University of Pretoria during pre-season and are expected to remain with the club for the duration of the campaign. Both players featured in the DStv Diski Challenge last season.

Striker Jody Ah Shene and Chuene Moabelo are also due to join AmaTuks on loan from Sundowns, according to information understood by Soccer Laduma.

The arrangement will give University of Pretoria several players with experience of Sundowns’ development system as the club prepares for the new second-tier season. The players have been involved with the squad during the club’s build-up and are expected to form part of Loftman’s plans.

Central midfielder Ntando Nkosi will spend another season at AmaTuks. Soccer Laduma reported earlier this week that Nkosi had recently been assessed by Betway Premiership side Marumo Gallants, but the move did not go ahead.

Marumo Gallants coach Phuti Mohafe confirmed that a deal for Nkosi had not materialised, leaving the midfielder set to continue his development with University of Pretoria.

AmaTuks are also set to welcome back Ronaldo Maarman ahead of the new season. Maarman has resurfaced at the club after leaving Sekhukhune United.

In addition to the younger players arriving from Sundowns, University of Pretoria have two experienced campaigners in their preparations for the new campaign: Gladwin Shitolo and Samuel Darpoh.

The growing group of players linked with AmaTuks includes the four Sundowns loanees – Booysen, Sithole, Ah Shene and Moabelo – as well as Nkosi, who is expected to remain at the club for another year.

Loftman’s previous involvement with Mokwena’s technical team at Sundowns means he is familiar with the club’s football environment, while the incoming players will give AmaTuks further squad options as they begin the Motsepe Foundation Championship season.

University of Pretoria’s preparations are continuing ahead of the campaign, with the club having already used Booysen and Sithole during pre-season. Maarman, Shitolo and Darpoh are also with the squad as AmaTuks finalise their group for the new season.