Tanzanian giants open talks to sign Cape Town City defender

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Cape Town City star on the radar of Yanga

Photo: Facebook/Lorenz Kohler

Tanzanian giants Young Africans have jetted off to South Africa to open talks with Cape Town City officials for the potential transfer of center-back Nathan Fasika Idumba, according to information gathered by Foot Africa.

The 26-year-old Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) international joined the Citizens on a five-year deal from FC Saint Eloi Lupopo in his homeland. His current deal with the South African club is set to run until June 2026.

Idumba’s stint with the Cape club includes a loan spell with Norwegian outfit Valerenga during the 2023/24 campaign, which saw him return to South Africa midway through the 2024/25 PSL season after the expiry of his loan deal in Europe.

Upon his return to City, the defender was a vital cog in the heart of defense, featuring in 23 games across all competitions. However, his contribution was not enough to prevent the club from suffering relegation to the second tier.

The John Comitis-owned side had a dismal campaign in the Betway Premiership last season, registering a 15th-place finish. As a result, the Citizens had to save their topflight status via the PSL Promotional/Relegation playoffs, ultimately won by Orbit College.

The club’s demotion saw a host of players seek greener pastures, including long-serving duo of captain Thamsanqa Mkhize and midfield maestro Thabo Nodada. Haashim Domingo, Darren Keet, Fortune Makaringe and Kamohelo Mokotjo are among other players who left the club.

Now, a well-placed source close to the matter has informed this publication that the Tanzanian champions, Yanga, now coached by the well-travelled dual PRO license [UEFA and CONMEBOL] holder Romain Folz, have stepped up their pursuit to land the player’s signature.

Yanga are optimistic that they can strike an agreement with City, as personal terms with Idumba are not expected to be a problem. With the towering stalwart high on the shortlist, Timu Ya Mwananchi is expected to submit a formal bid in the upcoming days.