Katongo to join Chippa

SOCCER boss Chippa Mpengesi yesterday made the biggest catch since the formation of his team, Chippa United, with the signing of Africa's former number one striker, Chris Katongo.

Excited like a kid with a new toy, the enterprising Mpengesi disclosed yesterday that Katongo will officially attach his signature on Monday on his return from a tour with the Zambian squad in Japan.

"And he is not the only one," bragged Mpengesi yesterday.

"There are at least two big signings on the cards before the end of this month. Katongo is happy with our offer and he looks forward to playing for us for two years. He is the kind of a striker we have been looking for. He is capable of keeping defences on their toes with his incredible strength and amazing speed."

After one season in the National First Division, the United boss said they have learned a lot this time around.

"It will be a new-look United with more muscle when we return to the PSL," he said. "We know where we went wrong and there is going to be more experience to the squad, which helped us to return to top-flight football."

Katongo, who played for Golden Arrows last season, was wanted by several top clubs in the country.

Mpengesi said they have retained all five players on loan with them from Mamelodi Sundowns. He has also made inquiries about Downs attacking midfielder Musa Nyatama.