South African striker Tshegofatso John Mabasa has arrived in Morocco as Maghreb de Fes move closer to completing their first foreign signing of the summer transfer window.
The 29-year-old is in the country to finish the formalities of a proposed move to the Moroccan club, following lengthy negotiations with the side’s officials.
Moroccan website Sport7 reported that Mabasa’s arrival is intended to allow the two parties to complete the final stages of the transfer. Maghreb de Fes are now waiting to put the finishing touches to the deal before making an official announcement.
Mabasa must first undergo a medical examination, after which he is expected to sign his contract. If the transfer is completed, he will become the first overseas player to join Maghreb de Fes during the current summer window.
The South African is being brought in to replace Moroccan forward Soufiane Benjdida, who recently moved to Egyptian club Al Ahly. Benjdida’s departure has left Maghreb de Fes looking to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season.
Mabasa’s prospective arrival is part of a wider rebuilding plan at the Moroccan club. Several foreign players have left the squad, including Mauritanian midfielder Issa Mubarak and Botswana international Kabelo Seakanyeng.
The forward arrives with a strong reputation from his time in South African football. He produced notable performances for Stellenbosch during the previous campaign and also represented the club in the CAF Confederation Cup.
His experience extends beyond Stellenbosch, having previously played for Orlando Pirates. That background gives Mabasa both domestic and continental experience, qualities Maghreb de Fes believe could strengthen their squad for the season ahead.
The transfer has not yet been officially confirmed, with the medical and completion of the contractual procedures still to take place. Maghreb de Fes are, however, preparing to announce Mabasa as their first foreign recruit of the summer once those steps have been completed.
