High expectations as Kutumela moves to Pirates
It has been an exciting season for Thabiso Kutumela as he catapulted Baroka FC to the country's elite league, courtesy of his 17 goals
POLOKWANE – But what stands out most from the past season is the heartbreaking adieu between Kutumela and the National First Division (NFD) champions as he leaves Bakgaga Ba-Mphahlele to join one of the country’s top teams, Orlando Pirates.
News of the Soweto giants securing the signature of the 22-year-old striker was splashed all over newspaper back pages in February.
However, Kutumela only confirmed the move on a sport show on SABC 1, where he said he will be joining Pirates in the 2016/17 campaign.
Pressed to reveal his move to Pirates, he responded with a wry smile, confirming that: “It is true, I am leaving Baroka. I am going to play for Pirates next season.”
He made the statement in the presence of Baroka coach, Kgokolo Thobejane, during a studio interview.
Kgokolo said he is sad to see Kutumela go, but he is happy with the current squad and his options are still wide open for further shopping.
Kutumela finished at the top of the NFD’s scorers’ chart with 17 goals as he helped to secure Baroka’s automatic promotion to the Absa Premiership Leauge on the final day of the season.
A natural right-footer, he is versatile and can play either in the middle or on whichever of the wings required, although it is out on the right that he feels most comfortable. He may not be very tall, but his speed and physique enable him to cope with the toughest defenders.
