Ahead of their match against Kaizer Chiefs, AmaZulu have reached an agreement for the signing of former Orlando Pirates shot-stopper Richard Ofori, KickOff can exclusively confirm.
The Ghanaian international was among five players released by Pirates at the end of last season alongside Kermit Erasmus, Fortune Makaringe, Vincent Pule and Souaibou Marou.
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Following his exit, Ofori is understood to have had multiple options on his table from the continent and abroad, including a move to Fadlu Davids' Simba SC that failed to materialise.
However, KickOff has been reliably informed that it is AmaZulu who have come out on top in the battle for the services of the Ghana national team captain, who has agreed personal terms with Usuthu.
More details about the deal are yet to be uncovered, however, this website understands that Ofori could land in Durban in the following days will be confirmed as an AmaZulu player, subject to a successful medical.
The 30-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the KZN side's goalkeeping department which consists of Bafana Bafana's Veli Mothwa, rising star Olwethu Mzimela, as well as Andile Mbajwa.
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Ofori will be no stranger in KwaZulu-Natal, having previously played for Maritzburg United where he made just under 100 appearances, earning a move to Orlando Pirates in 2020.
At the Soweto Giants, the shot-stopper kept 30 clean sheets from his 58 appearances across all competitions. He also retained the national team, captaining the Black Stars at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that took place in January this year.
According to sources close to proceedings at AmaZulu, the ambitious outfit are understood to have identified Ofori as a key part of their bid for a top-four finish in the domestic league and return to continental competition.
Usuthu take on Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday evening.