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Olomu latest to try his hand overseas

BLOEMFONTEIN Celtic midfielder Prince Olomu could be the next foreigner in the Absa Premiership league to secure an overseas contract.

BLOEMFONTEIN Celtic midfielder Prince Olomu could be the next foreigner in the Absa Premiership league to secure an overseas contract.

The Nigerian player is in Israel, trying out his luck at Tel Aviv's Maccabi Haifa, the Israeli Premiership side that is home to Bafana Bafana defender Tsepo Masilela and once featured Thembinkosi Fanteni.

Other reports have linked the player with a move to Israel's Hapoel Bnei Sakhnin.

Celtic coach Owen Da Gama said though he wished Olomu well, the parting would be bittersweet.

"He is our top goalscorer, so it is very difficult to lose a player of his calibre. I was hoping to hold on to him until next season at least," Da Gama said.

Team technical director Mitch D'Avray said: "We have always known that it is Prince's dream to go overseas and we understand that it is a great opportunity for him. Obviously, if it does not happen for him we will expect him back here to play out the rest of the season.

"But if there is any interest, the team will contact us to begin negotiations."

If Olomu's move goes through, it will once again put the spotlight on the successful strategy employed for years by players from other African countries, who have been using the PSL as a springboard to more lucrative careers abroad.

If he is successful the Nigerian will follow in the footsteps of former Free State Stars teammate Jonathan Mensah.

The 19-year-old Ghanaian, who is n national duty for the Black Stars in Angola, moved to Italian team Udinese in November last year, where he has impressed national selectors enough to get a late call-up to the Afcon.

Olomu, 23, played for Nigerian sides Enyimba and El-Kanemi Warriors before trekking south. He moved from Stars to Free State rivals Celtic at the beginning of last season, and has scored 12 goals so far this season.

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