Kruger United sign Stellenbosch striker Wonderboy Makhubu on season-long loan

Newly promoted Kruger United have completed the signing of Stellenbosch striker Wonderboy Makhubu on a season-long loan as they prepare for their first campaign in the Betway Premiership.

Soccer Laduma has confirmed that the 29-year-old forward will move to the Mpumalanga club after spending six months with Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands.

Makhubu’s representative, Pontsho Madumo of Cream Sports Management, confirmed the agreement.

“Yes, he is moving. It’s a loan agreement,” confirmed Madumo.

The transfer makes Makhubu the 16th player recruited by Kruger United since their impressive automatic promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship. The Village Boys are using the close-season to build a squad capable of competing in the top flight for the first time.

Kruger earned promotion after their campaign in the Motsepe Foundation Championship and have moved quickly to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. Makhubu’s arrival adds another attacking option to a team that will now be expected to compete against established Betway Premiership clubs.

He is likely to be relied upon for goals alongside fellow new arrival Thabang Sibanyoni. The pair already know each other, having played together at Magesi, who were relegated.

Their previous partnership is expected to give Kruger an established attacking combination as the club adjusts to the demands of top-flight football. Makhubu will now have the opportunity to continue his career with the newly promoted side, while Sibanyoni provides a familiar presence in the forward line.

Kruger have also signed Fierce Ntwari, Sanele Tshabalala, Kwanda Mngonyama, Lwanda Mbanjwa, Sikhosonke Langa, Mlungisi Zwane, Shane Saralina, Thabang Sibanyoni, Katlego Mohamme, Tumelo Mmakgolane, Motsie Matima, Tatenda Tavengwa, Sidney Fakude, Phathutshedzo Musekwa and Thendo Mukumela.

With Makhubu included, the club’s recruitment drive has now brought in 16 players as they prepare for their debut top-flight campaign. The additions underline the scale of the rebuilding project facing the Village Boys after promotion.

Kruger’s coach has previously said the team intends to make life difficult for their opponents in the Betway Premiership. The signing of Makhubu gives the club another forward with whom to pursue that objective.

Stellenbosch and Kruger United have not yet issued official comments on the transfer. However, the player’s representative has confirmed that the move is structured as a loan agreement for the season.

Makhubu’s arrival also brings an end, for now, to his six-month spell with Stellenbosch. He will now join Kruger as the Mpumalanga club begin their preparations for life among South Africa’s top-flight teams.