Ayanda Patosi’s Hope FC future uncertain after promotion campaign

Ayanda Patosi’s return to South African football has hit an unexpected setback, with the former Cape Town City midfielder yet to sign a new contract at Hope FC and currently absent from the squad at the start of the 2026/27 Motsepe Foundation Championship season.

The 33-year-old was part of the Hope side that secured promotion after winning the Western Cape stream of the Western ABC Motsepe League and then claiming the national title in play-offs featuring the champions from every province.

Hope began life in the second tier with a 1-0 victory over University of Pretoria at Athlone Stadium on Saturday. However, Patosi was not included in the team and is understood not to be part of the group being managed by new head coach Clayton Daniels.

Patosi joined Hope, also known as The Immortals, with half of their 2025/26 Western ABC Motsepe League campaign still to play. He had spent almost two years without a club after leaving Iranian side Foolad in January 2023.

His Hope contract has now expired, with no new agreement reached between the player and the Cape Town club. In the third tier of South African football, contracts generally cover only one season, meaning players become free agents at the end of each campaign.

Patosi was one of several experienced players who helped Hope achieve promotion. The squad also included Craig Martin, Ruzaigh Gamildien and Daniels, who has since taken over as head coach.

The development leaves Patosi’s latest attempt to revive his career uncertain. The Khayelitsha-born midfielder had only recently returned to competitive football in South Africa after a lengthy spell abroad and a prolonged period without a club.

Before arriving at Hope in November last year, Patosi had not played in South Africa since leaving Cape Town City for Iranian club Esteghlal in January 2019. That move initially took place on loan, but Cape Town City did not make the transfer permanent.

The versatile attacker subsequently joined United Arab Emirates side FC Baniyas before returning to Iran, where he later played for Foolad.

Patosi’s time at Esteghlal also came during a period when South African coach Pitso Mosimane was involved with the Iranian club. Mosimane was appointed as Esteghlal’s coach in October 2024 but remained in the role for only three months, terminating his contract because of unpaid salaries.

For Patosi, Hope represented an opportunity to rebuild his career in familiar surroundings after his extended absence from the professional game. His contribution formed part of the club’s successful promotion drive, but his current omission from the squad and lack of a new contract mean his next move remains unresolved.