Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane believes that new signing Tokelo Rantie has gone through a lot in his life and deserves a second chance, saying the guy is not old, he can still play.
Last week it was announced that the former Bournemouth stirker has signed a three-year deal at Chloorkop following a couple of months of training with the Absa Premiership champions.
Rantie signed on a free transfer after having his contract terminated by Cape Town City at the start of 2019 due to off-field issues and discipline.
Mosimane decided to hand Rantie a lifeline to revive his career at Downs when he was invited to train at the club, and while the former Bafana Bafana coach admits he doesn’t know if the move will work out, he feels that the striker deserves another chance.
‘It’s been two years that the boy hasn’t kicked the ball but if Chabangu can get a chance and Zongo, I mean you can just name them. So why can’t we give Tokelo a chance?
‘The guy is not old; he can still play. This is just for me to give a gesture and a helping hand to a South African boy who has gone through a lot. Let’s not put pressure on him.’
@Masandawana coach Pitso on new signing Rantie at today’s #MTN8 presser. pic.twitter.com/lB5dYz2BUW
— Dean Workman (@DeanoWorks) September 16, 2019
‘He is powerful when he is fit and his condition looks OK. I have good memories of Tokelo playing for Bafana and scoring against Cape Verde,’ he said. ‘I have good memories of Tokelo going against Nigeria and scoring two goals. Whether we are going to get that or not, I don’t know myself.’
Mosimane also hinted that the 29-year-old is available for selection now and could make his debut against SuperSport United in the MTN8 semi-final on Wednesday.
