Former Maritzburg United goalkeeper Fru explores PSL return

Anye Derick Fru is seeking a return to South African football after asking his representatives to investigate opportunities in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

The 31-year-old goalkeeper has played in Morocco and Central Africa since leaving Maritzburg United, who have since relocated to Durban and changed their name to Durban City FC.

Fru is currently with Moroccan club Ittihad Zemmouri de Khemisset, but is eligible to join his next team as a free agent. That could make him an attractive option for PSL clubs looking for an experienced goalkeeper without having to pay a transfer fee.

Champion arrival in South Africa

The Cameroon international joined Maritzburg in July 2022 after helping Coton Sport de Garoua win a record 17th domestic championship.

Fru had also saved important penalties in the play-off final before agreeing to a two-year contract with the KwaZulu-Natal club. His arrival was viewed as a significant signing as Maritzburg sought to rebuild their squad for the DStv Premiership.

However, his spell in Pietermaritzburg lasted less than a year.

Maritzburg’s failure to preserve their top-flight status during the 2022/23 season meant they entered the relegation play-offs, bringing Fru’s time at the club to an early conclusion.

For overseas players such as Fru, relegation can create both sporting and financial difficulties. Clubs operating in the lower divisions work with tighter budgets and lower salary limits, making it harder for them to retain internationals on higher-value contracts.

That situation contributed to the goalkeeper’s departure.

Career continues across Africa

After leaving the midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, Fru returned briefly to Cameroon, where he played for Dynamo Douala in an effort to secure regular first-team football.

His performances as a commanding goalkeeper then earned him a move to Morocco. He signed for Ittihad Zemmouri de Khemisset in September 2024 and has continued his career there.

KickOff understands that Fru is now available as a free agent, allowing interested PSL clubs to negotiate directly with the goalkeeper rather than arrange a transfer from his current side.

His previous experience with Coton Sport de Garoua, along with his international background and time in South Africa’s top division, gives him continental experience as he considers his next move.