Marumo Gallants close in on TUT midfielder Akani Rathokoa

Marumo Gallants are close to signing Tshwane University of Technology midfielder Akani Rathokoa after the 25-year-old impressed during this season’s Varsity Football Cup tournament.

The Limpopo-based club is understood to be edging ahead of Cape Town City in the race for Rathokoa, who has emerged as one of the competition’s leading performers.

Rathokoa was named the FNB Player of the Tournament after helping TUT win a fifth Varsity Football Cup title in the university’s history. He had reportedly attracted interest from Cape Town City before joining Gallants’ training camp in Pretoria on Monday.

A source close to Marumo Gallants said the midfielder was now on the verge of joining the club as a free agent.

“The boy is here. He started training with us yesterday [Monday],” the source said.

“He is quality. He was the best player during the Varsity Football Tournament.”

The move would represent a significant step in Rathokoa’s career, with his performances for TUT leading to an opportunity to compete for a place in professional football.

TUT continues to produce PSL players

Rathokoa would be the latest player from Tshwane University of Technology to attract attention from clubs in the PSL.

The university has already supplied a number of players competing at that level, including Sipho Sibiya and Thabiso Lebitso. Sibiya is with Kruger United, while Lebitso plays for Stellenbosch FC.

Gallants’ interest follows a tournament in which Rathokoa played a central role in TUT’s success. His recognition as the FNB Player of the Tournament further strengthened his prospects of securing a move into the professional game.

Cape Town City had previously been linked with the midfielder, but his presence at Gallants’ Pretoria training base suggests the Limpopo club is currently best placed to complete the signing.

No transfer fee would be required if the deal is concluded, with Rathokoa set to move as a free agent.