Golden Arrows sign Stars duo

WINGER Deon Hotto and defender Chris Katjiukua on Monday became the latest Namibian internationals to move to the South African Premiership when they signed for Lamontville Golden Arrows.

They join compatriot Rudolph Bester – who is on a season-long loan from Soweto giants Orlando Pirates – at the Kwa-Zulu Natal club.

While African Stars could not confirm the deal at the time of going to print on Monday, a source close to the players assured The Namibian Sport that the pair have agreed to joined the struggling PSL side, which is desperately seeking reinforcements to aid its battle against relegation.

“The deal is through. They have already agreed terms. It’s just a matter of finalising the contracts,” said the source.

Arrows are said to have been monitoring the pair, along with African Stars teammate Freedom Puriza, for an extended period culminating in Arrows coach Mark Harrison watching them star for the Brave Warriors in Saturdays’ 1-0 international friendly defeat to Ghana’s Black Stars at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium.

However only Katjiukua and Hotto appear to have swayed Harrison’s mind to securing their signatures.

Katjiukua (27) joined Stars from Eleven Arrows in 2011 and quickly established himself as a defensive stalwart of the team and a reliable Brave Warriors centre back.

Twenty-three year-old Hotto has enjoyed a meteoric rise since joining Stars from a then first division Blue Boys side a-season-and-half ago and is expected to continue his growth in the PSL.

“They [players] are happy to be getting this opportunity to play in a professional set-up which will help to get better exposure and market themselves further,” the source added.

Just last month, Stars coach Woody Jacobs told The Namibian Sport that he was looking at strengthening his squad for their Caf Confederations Cup campaign which starts in February.

While he declined to comment on the departure of two of his most influential players, Jacobs said Stars “will have a few players coming in” during the January transfer window.