Botswana giants Township Rollers have announced the signing of ex-Orlando Pirates winger Thabo Rakhale.
Rollers welcomed Rakhale on Monday eveningbut did not reveal the length of the dribbling wizard’s contract at the club.
The attacker was without a home for a year following his departure from DStv Premiership side Sekhukhune United in the 2021/23 season. And indications are that he wanted to secure a deal in the PSL, but no club showed interest in his services.
Rakhale had trials at several clubs, including Platinum City Rovers, in the Motsepe Foundation Championship without success. However, the club did not sign him, stating that “they have a lot of players and cannot afford me, even though we never discussed money.”
The ex-Pirates fan favourite stated that he struggled to attract interest in SA as teams assume it is ‘expensive’ and will demand a big paycheck as he played for a big club Bucs.
WHY THABO RAKHELE OPTED FOR THE TOWNSHIP ROLLERS DEAL
As a result of failing to find a club in SA, he accepted an offer from Rollers, a team he had previously turned down twice earlier this year.
Desperate to revive his career in SA, Rakhale rejected two offers from Rollers before finally agreeing to join the club as he had lost hope of finding a team in SA ahead of the new season.
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The Botswana top-flight side highly rates Rakhale and hopes the player will play a big role as they plan to challenge for the league title in the upcoming campaign.
“Township Rollers is pleased to announce the signing of South African winger Thabo Rakhale,” said the club in a statement.
“Join us in welcoming the skilful former Orlando Pirates, Chippa United, and Sekhukhune United star to the Blues.”
The 33-year attacker made over 80 appearances across all competitions in Pirates colours, scoring four goals while providing five assists.
Rakhale parted ways with the Sea Robbers at the end of the 2017/18 season, and his career has since taken a dip.
He also had stints at Marumo Gallants, Sivutsa Stars, Polokwane City and Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila [TTM].