Lerumo Lions’ Brazilian forward Victor Santoro awaits work permit

Brazilian forward Victor Santoro is waiting for international clearance before he can make his competitive debut for Lerumo Lions FC in the 2026/27 Motsepe Foundation Championship.

The new signing has yet to feature for the North West-based club because his work permit and related documentation are still being finalised. The season is already under way, leaving Santoro waiting for the approval that will allow him to join his team-mates in an official match.

Santoro is understood to be determined to make a success of his move to South Africa. His longer-term ambition is reportedly to use his time in the country as a platform for a future transfer to a bigger club.

The Brazilian is believed to have drawn inspiration from other South American players who have established themselves in the Premier Soccer League in recent years. Among those examples are former Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro and current Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende.

Santoro will hope to follow a similar route by making an impression in South African football before attracting interest from a more prominent club.

While the forward waits for his paperwork to be completed, Lerumo have made an encouraging start to their second season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

The Sibongile Marokana-owned club finished eighth in their first campaign in the second tier last season, collecting 39 points from 30 matches. Lerumo entered the division after purchasing Pretoria Callies’ status.

They currently occupy third place in the table after taking seven points from their opening three games, with two victories and one draw.

Their latest outing produced a notable result as Lerumo defeated Orbit College FC 2-1 at Olympia Park in Rustenburg on Tuesday.

That positive beginning has given the club early momentum, but Santoro has been unable to contribute on the pitch while he waits for the necessary authorisation.

The forward will now be hoping the process is completed soon so he can begin playing for Lerumo Lions FC and start his own journey in Mzansi football. His arrival represents an opportunity to establish himself in the South African game, although that opportunity remains on hold until his work permit is approved.