Ivorian striker Yannick Zakri has finally completed his move from Mamelodi Sundowns to Maritzburg United.
Zakri has been training with the Team of Choice for a number of weeks, having featured on loan for Ajax Cape Town last season.
But once the Urban Warriors’ relegation to the NFD was confirmed, Zakri returned to his parent club Masandawana.
Maritzburg, though, wanted his services in their quest for the Absa Premiership title, having finished fourth last season, and now they have their man on a two-year permanent deal.
“We are very happy to welcome Yannick to the club. He is an international with lots of experience and will add to our attacking options upfront,” Maritzburg chairman Farook Kadodia said on Twitter on Monday.
“It was a bit of a challenge to bring a player from Sundowns to a club with limited resources. We had to be patient, get the support of Sundowns to make the transition happen. Boxing clever was important.
“Yannick was training with the team while the deal was being done. He was warmly received by the players and fitted in immediately.
“It is a great signing for us. We always look to target the best players for the job. It is an investment to the city and supporters of the Team of Choice.”
Zakri will have lots of time to get used to coach Fadlu Davids and the rest of the team as their next match is only on September 15, against Bidvest Wits at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.
Davids, though, will be relatively pleased with his charges following the 0-0 draw against Kaizer Chiefs last Friday.
“I think with one player down we kept our minds strong. We did everything that the team had to do. We only focused on not conceding because in our three previous games, we conceded like two goals a game,” right back Pogiso Sanoka told the club website after Siphesihle Ndlovu was sent off.
“I think for us the season will kick start now. From three games, one point is not enough, but from this game we can take a lot out of it going forward.
“It was really a good fight from everyone. I think it will build confidence in each and every player going forward.”
@ashfakmohamed