Cape Town City have confirmed the signing of Bafana Bafana international Ayanda Patosi from Belgian side KSC Lokeren.
The Citizens were impressive in their debut season in the Absa Premiership campaign , as they clinched the Telkom Knockout trophy, and finished third in the league to book their CAF Confederation Cup spot.
With their sights set on improving their league position next season, in addition to plying their trade in Africa, the Mother City-based outfit have sent a signal of intent ahead of the July/August transfer window by snapping up the 24-year-old, who has spent the last seven years playing in Europe.
The signing comes less than a month after City boss John Comitis announced his desire to strengthen the squad, citing Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs’ Percy Tau and Siphiwe Tshabalala as respective targets if they are to clinch the league title.
City confirmed the signing of the Khayelitsha-born man via their social media platforms, in addition to sending a press release, which did not offer too much regarding Patosi’s contract with the club.
‘Cape Town City FC is ecstatic in announcing the signing of 24-year-old Cape talent, Ayanda Patosi!
‘Patosi hails from the heart of Khayelitsha, although he has spent the last 7 years plying his trade in Europe with Belgian Premier League outfit, Lokeren, where the playmaker won the Belgian Cup in his debut season.
‘Ayanda made his South African national team debut in 2013 and went on to make 10 appearances for Bafana Bafana. He’s still widely regarded as a promising prospect to feature in the SA national team.
‘The acquisition of Ayanda Patosi puts us in a strong position to improve on our exciting showing during the 2016/17 Absa Premiership season and further bolster our squad as we prepare for the 2018 CAF Confederations Cup!
‘Welcome to the Cape Town City family Ayanda!!!,’ the statement read.
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/Backpagepix