South Africa’s Golden Arrows eye permanent move for Ismail Watenga from Mamelodi Sundowns
Ismail Watenga’s loan spell with Golden Arrows is sparking interest in a permanent move from the club as they aim to retain the talented goalkeeper beyond his current loan period.
Mamelodi Sundowns opted to loan out several players, including Watenga, to facilitate their game time and development.
However, Watenga’s impressive performances with Golden Arrows have led to discussions about extending his stay with the club rather than returning to Sundowns at the end of the season.
Despite his impending return to Sundowns, Watenga’s future role with the club remains uncertain.
With the recent contract extension of goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse and the return of Ricardo Goss on loan, opportunities for Watenga to secure a prominent role at Sundowns appear limited.
Consequently, staying with Golden Arrows, where he has been a regular starter, emerges as an appealing option for the Ugandan shot-stopper.
At 28 years old, Watenga has been on loan since joining Mamelodi Sundowns in 2020.
While his time at Sundowns hasn’t seen him establish himself as the first-choice goalkeeper, his loan spell with Golden Arrows has showcased his talent and potential for a more significant role.
Negotiations between Golden Arrows and Mamelodi Sundowns are underway to secure Watenga’s services on a permanent basis.
However, failing to reach an agreement could result in Watenga being loaned out to another club, prolonging the uncertainty surrounding his future.
As discussions progress, both clubs will weigh their options carefully, considering Watenga’s desire for regular playing time and the potential for him to make a significant impact wherever he ends up next season.
