A Bafana Bafana international has finally completed his move to the USA more than a month after his departure from a PSL club was confirmed.
Jamie Webber has found the going tough at Sekhukhune United this season, not featuring in a single game up to the time of his departure. An intriguing change of fortunes for a midfielder of his calibre.
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Towards the end of February, it emerged that the 27-year-old had landed on the radar of USL Championship outfit FC Tulsa, who reportedly approached Babina Noko for his services.
That was followed up by a farewell message by the club, who confirmed he would indeed be moving abroad.
"The Babina Noko family welcomed the 27-year-old midfielder at the start of the 2023/24 season from SuperSport United.
"During his time at the club, Webber made a significant impact, scoring 5 goals and providing 4 assists in over 30 appearances, in all competitions.
"The creative midfielder now moves to the USL Championship and we extend our best wishes to him in his future endeavors.
"Sekhukhune United are grateful for the opportunity presented to Jamie. All the best,” read a club statement at the time, in part.
It would appear there was a hold-up in dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s in order to pave the way for the former Matsatsantsa man to start the new chapter in his career, but on Friday, the deal was finally concluded.
“FC Tulsa made history on Friday, signing midfielder Jamie Webber from South African Premier Division side Sekhukhune United in one of the most high-profile incoming transfers in USL Championship history,” revealed the American side with big ambitions.
“This is a landmark moment for FC Tulsa, not just as a club, but as a rising force in the American soccer landscape,” said Caleb Sewell, FC Tulsa Sporting Director and General Manager.
“Jamie is a player of true international caliber, with a résumé that speaks for itself. His arrival in Tulsa is a reflection of how far our club has come and where we’re headed. Jamie brings leadership, experience and creativity in the middle of the park and we believe he’ll elevate everyone around him. This signing signals our ambition, and we’re proud to welcome one of the most respected midfielders from the South African Premier Division into our ranks.”
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According to Tulsa, Webber enters the USL Championship carrying a €1 million (R21.4 million) valuation via Transfermarkt, making him the most valuable player in the league.
It’s not all been doom and gloom for the lad who started his career at Vasco Da Gama, as he played in a recent two-legged CHAN qualifier for Bafana against Egypt, netting a screamer in a 1-1 first leg draw.
