Lerumo Lions secure Brazilian winger Victor Santoro on two-year contract

Lerumo Lions have signed Brazilian winger Victor Santoro on a two-year contract after the 20-year-old impressed during an assessment with the Motsepe Foundation Championship club.

Soccer Laduma reports that Santoro was offered a deal only a few days after beginning his assessment, bringing a swift end to his trial period with the Rustenburg-based side.

Lerumo Lions coach Tshepo Maphari confirmed the agreement, saying: “Yes, we have signed him (Santoro),” confirms Lerumo Lions coach Tshepo Maphari to this publication.

Maphari later provided further detail on when the contract was completed, adding: “He signed on Monday after a successful assessment,” added Maphari.

Santoro arrived in South Africa last week from Italy, where he had been playing in the Eccellenza League. The competition is the fifth tier of Italian football.

His progress was noticed by the Siya crew while he was training with Lerumo Lions at Zinniaville High School in Rustenburg, North West. That assessment ultimately led to the club securing his services on a permanent two-year agreement.

The signing gives Lerumo Lions a new Brazilian attacking option ahead of the start of their 2026/27 campaign. Santoro’s arrival follows his spell in Italy and represents his move into the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

The club will begin its league campaign away from home against Venda FC on Friday, 21 August. The fixture is scheduled to take place at Thohoyandou Stadium.

Santoro’s signing was confirmed before that opening match, although Lerumo Lions’ announcement does not state whether he will be involved in the game against Venda FC. His contract means he is now part of the squad preparing for the new campaign.

For Maphari’s side, the agreement concludes a short assessment process that began after Santoro’s arrival from Italy last week. The player, described as a Brazilian speedster, made enough of an impression in training for Lerumo Lions to offer him a deal within days.

The move also follows the player’s appearance at Zinniaville High School, where the Siya crew spotted him training with the team. From that session, Santoro progressed to a successful assessment and then to a contract signed on Monday.

Lerumo Lions will now turn their attention to their opening fixture at Thohoyandou Stadium, where they will face Venda FC as the 2026/27 campaign gets under way.