Ramatsiyi Moholoa
Ramatsiyi Moholoa
Belgium-based South African pair of Masilo Modubi and Jeffrey Ntuka look set to realise their dream of playing on a bigger stage.
Both aged 23, Modubi and Ntuka were each presented with European passports last week after spending six years playing for First Division side KVC Westerlo in Belgium.
The pair were seconded to Westerlo by English Premiership big spenders Chelsea to gain more experience because they did not have enough international caps.
Chelsea signed them along with BoyBoy Mosia from the Transnet Football School of Excellence after impressing at the Milk International Cup in Ireland.
"It's a dream come true for us to finally get European passports," said Modubi, a former Seshego Real Gunners and Ria Stars development player.
"Normally it takes four years to get a passport but ours took six years. Our future in Europe is bright, we can play for any club in Europe without being sent from pillar to post."
Chelsea have sent a written to Westerlo asking them to release Modubi and Ntuka so that they can be assessed by their technical staff in January.
"Our contracts with Chelsea, expire at the end of the season in May, but we are not worried," said Modubi.
"We have done pretty well here in Belgium and there is no need for us to start pressing the panic button.
"Chelsea have made it clear that they want us to be part of their team.
"Now that we have received the passports, it will make it easier for Chelsea to sign us without having to worry about the [work] permits."
Modubi and Ntuka do not qualify to represent Belgium or any other country after having played for South Africa at Under-23 level and for Bafana Bafana.
After being called up for the international friendly against Ghana, though he did not play, Modubi is expected to be included in the team to play Cameroon in the Mandela Challenge in Rustenburg on November 19.
Mosia is on the verge of signing for Premiership side Santos.
Chelsea beckons
Ramatsiyi Moholoa
Ramatsiyi Moholoa
Belgium-based South African pair of Masilo Modubi and Jeffrey Ntuka look set to realise their dream of playing on a bigger stage.
Both aged 23, Modubi and Ntuka were each presented with European passports last week after spending six years playing for First Division side KVC Westerlo in Belgium.
The pair were seconded to Westerlo by English Premiership big spenders Chelsea to gain more experience because they did not have enough international caps.
Chelsea signed them along with BoyBoy Mosia from the Transnet Football School of Excellence after impressing at the Milk International Cup in Ireland.
"It's a dream come true for us to finally get European passports," said Modubi, a former Seshego Real Gunners and Ria Stars development player.
"Normally it takes four years to get a passport but ours took six years. Our future in Europe is bright, we can play for any club in Europe without being sent from pillar to post."
Chelsea have sent a written to Westerlo asking them to release Modubi and Ntuka so that they can be assessed by their technical staff in January.
"Our contracts with Chelsea, expire at the end of the season in May, but we are not worried," said Modubi.
"We have done pretty well here in Belgium and there is no need for us to start pressing the panic button.
"Chelsea have made it clear that they want us to be part of their team.
"Now that we have received the passports, it will make it easier for Chelsea to sign us without having to worry about the [work] permits."
Modubi and Ntuka do not qualify to represent Belgium or any other country after having played for South Africa at Under-23 level and for Bafana Bafana.
After being called up for the international friendly against Ghana, though he did not play, Modubi is expected to be included in the team to play Cameroon in the Mandela Challenge in Rustenburg on November 19.
Mosia is on the verge of signing for Premiership side Santos.