Cape Town City close in on Varsity Cup star Akani Rathokoa

Motsepe Foundation Championship club Cape Town City are pursuing 2026 Varsity Cup Player of the Tournament Akani Rathokoa, with the forward expected to join the team for training this week.

IDiski Times understands that Cape Town City have targeted Rathokoa after he played a key role in Tshwane University of Technology’s run to a fifth Varsity Cup title.

The 24-year-old impressed throughout the competition and scored the decisive goal as Tshwane University of Technology beat University of Pretoria 3-2 in the final.

Rathokoa had also attracted interest from Betway Premiership club Marumo Gallants. However, Cape Town City appear to have secured the race for his signature after persuading him to travel to Cape Town and train with the Citizens.

He is expected to arrive at Cape Town International Airport this Monday before beginning work with the club during the week. He will be assessed by head coach Andries Ulderink during the training period.

Cape Town City have previously recruited from the Varsity Cup. The club signed Heaven Sereetsi from North-West University, with the player now on the books of Kruger United.

Story by Sinethemba Makonco.