New Bidvest Wits Deal Excites AYODELE OLUWAFEMI

South Africa-based left-wing-back, Ayodele Oluwafemi has stated delight with his recent move to emergent PSL side, Bidvest Wits, with a declaration that it is a welcome relief to several months of lying in hiatus.

The former Jomo Cosmos and Pretoria University football clubs utility player had faced a long spell watching from the stands, after his deal at Platinum Stars was suddenly stopped by his agent, on allegations of poor pay by the fellow-PSL outfit.

That came after a whole season of inaction for the product of Golden Planners of Ejigbo, Lagos, as his attempt to join Maritzburg United a year earlier ended stillborn, due to complications in his application for a work permit.

However, a silver lining has now appeared on the horizon for the Shaki-born youngster, as his new deal with Wits comes barely a week after his South African wife put to bed a baby boy.

''I believe it is the Lord’s doing; simply because it was like things were going to be rough again for me this year, especially with the arrival of my first baby.

''Through God’s grace, I was happy when one of my mentors told me the arrival of the baby would open fresh doors of opportunities for me and that came to pass under a week. I am very happy for what God has done for me,'' he told allnigeriasoccer.com.

Oluwafemi’s deal at Wits coincided with the club’s successful acquisition of ace midfielder, Thokozani Mshengu on a free contract, following the expiry of his contract at Bloemfontein Celtic, and has signed a contract of two years with an option of a third.

The reasoning behind Mshengu's signing is to give the club some options down the wings following the departure of Sifiso Myeni to Orlando Pirates in January.

Oluwafemi signed a similar contract and has been brought in as replacement for Patrick Phungwayo.

Wits coach Roger de Sa stated that he has signed the pair to beef up his squad, ahead of their return from end-off-season break and pre-season training on June 26, but says he is still on the look out for further reinforcements.

Fasetire Sam O'Femi