African Stars duo set to complete Arrows move

The Brave Warriors pair of Chris Katjiukua and Deon Hotto are set to join South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) strugglers Golden Arrows in Durban by Friday. Confirming the move to South Africa, Chris Katjiukua, 27, said they will finalise personal terms with the club by Friday after the pair’s domestic club, African Stars, agreed to the move last week. “Today (Tuesday) we are sorting out our documents with the law as we are applying for work permits and all. We will also have to undergo medical tests on Thursday before putting pen to paper by Friday and we are confident all well go well,” Katjiukua said from Durban. Katjiukua is applying for permanent residence while Hotto can only apply for a work permit for now. Hotto, 23, who spent a season and half with African Stars after joining from lower-division outfit Swakopmund FC, said he was looking forward to donning the colours of Golden Arrows and helping the team avoid relegation. “The team is not doing well and we have the chance to go there and help the team in its bid for survival and go a step further up the table,” said Hotto. It was rumoured last week that the two players were going to Durban after the formalisation of an initial agreement between the two club chairpersons, Mato Madlala of Arrows and Sidney Martin of Stars. The deal is believed to be worth around N$300 000 for both players. The two were finally assessed by Golden Arrows coach Mark Harrison during the Brave Warriors’ 1-0 defeat to Ghana on January 4 at the Independence Stadium. Arrows have 10 points from 15 matches played in the PSL and are languishing at the bottom of the table in 16th place. Arrows will visit Mamelodi Sundowns on February 5 in their next league assignment. The pair’s move to South Africa will take the number of Namibians plying their trade in the PSL to 12.