Ghanaian striker Michael Sarpong has yet to debut for Sekhukhune United despite joining the club two months ago.
Babina Noko signed Sarpong to replace Tshegofatso Mabasa and Victor Letsoalo, who left the club during the pre-season.
The club has relied on Chibuike Ohizu and Tashreeq Morris upfront while they wait for Sarpong’s availability.
THE REASON SARPONG IS UNAVAILABLE FOR SEKHUKHUNE UNITED
SN24 has established why the club is unable to field the 27-year-old forward. The former Young Africans SC striker was denied a work visa to start playing in official matches.
“His visa application was denied because his passport was almost expired when he applied for it. So, when you apply for a visa, you must have six or more months left for your passport to expire. That wasn’t the case with his passport.
“So what has since happened is that he has appealed the decision. He’s also submitted his new passport. The club is now waiting to see if the appeal will be successful,” a source said.
The former Rayon Sports striker is reportedly frustrated by the situation. He is not earning a full salary until his documents are in order.
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However, he has been unable to obtain a work permit from the South African government and has, therefore, been unable to play for the club.
Sekhukhune United have been trying to resolve the issue with the South African government, but they have so far been unsuccessful.
THE SIX COUNTRIES MICHAEL SARPONG HAS PLAYED IN
The well-travelled forward has plied his trade in six countries across Africa and the Middle East.
His journey began in his native Ghana, where he honed his skills at Dreams FC before embarking on a globetrotting adventure. In 2018, he sought greener pastures in Rwanda, joining Rayon Sports, where he made a significant impact.
Seeking a new challenge, Sarpong ventured into Tanzanian football in 2020, signing for Yanga on a free transfer. However, his stay in Tanzania was brief, lasting only a year.
Undeterred by the short stint, Sarpong’s nomadic career took him to Saudi Arabia, where he represented Al-Nahda FC in 2021. His spell in Saudi Arabia was similarly fleeting, and he soon found himself back in familiar territory, Rwanda, signing for AS Kigali six months later.
Ever the adventurer, Sarpong’s next stop was Ethiopia, where he joined Wolaicha Dicha in 2022. His six-month stay there preceded a move to Suez SC, in Egypt in January 2023.