Dimakatso Mashao joins Lerumo Lions after Marumo Gallants loan move collapses

Dimakatso Mashao is set to continue his career with Lerumo Lions after his proposed season-long loan move from Marumo Gallants to Leicesterford City broke down.

The 25-year-old midfielder had appeared destined for a temporary switch to Leicesterford City, who compete in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. However, the deal did not go through, giving Lerumo Lions the opportunity to move for the player and secure his signature.

Mashao’s change of destination represents a late development in the transfer-window movement involving clubs within the Premier Soccer League structure. He had initially been expected to spend the season away from Marumo Gallants, but will instead join the ambitious North West-based side.

Lerumo Lions have already been active in reshaping their squad and Mashao is one of several notable additions made by the club. The midfielder joins Sizwe Sithole, who has arrived from Upington City, and Aya Sibuta, who was signed from Cape Town Spurs.

The recruitment drive reflects Lerumo Lions’ intention to assemble a competitive squad capable of challenging for major honours. Mashao is regarded as a technically gifted midfielder and his arrival adds further depth to a team that has sought to strengthen its options across the squad.

Lerumo Lions will attempt to build on their opening-day result when they return to home action this weekend. They drew 1-1 in their first match and are due to host North West University at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto on Saturday afternoon.

The fixture will provide the club with an early opportunity to turn its new-look squad into positive results, with the arrivals of Mashao, Sithole and Sibuta forming part of an extensive rebuilding process.

For Marumo Gallants, meanwhile, the focus remains on recovering from a difficult start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign. They are currently 15th in the league table, having collected only one point from their first four matches.

Mashao’s departure therefore comes as Gallants continue to search for greater consistency during the opening stages of the season. The midfielder’s anticipated loan move had been expected to take him to Leicesterford City, but the collapse of that arrangement ultimately opened the way for Lerumo Lions to complete the deal.

The transfer adds another new face to a Lerumo Lions squad that is being significantly reshaped, while Gallants must now attempt to improve their league position after a challenging opening run.