Kopo Gives Progress On Downs Loanee

Aphelele Teto is currently on loan to University of Pretoria from Mamelodi Sundowns.

University of Pretoria coach Kwanele Kopo has spoken about the patience needed with Mamelodi Sundowns loanee Aphelele Teto after the difficult period he endured in Scotland. 

Teto left TS Galaxy in 2023 to join Livingston in the Scottish Premier League, but did not make an official appearance for the side due to not qualifying for a work permit. He returned for one season on a loan move to Chippa United and was released by Livingston upon the expiration of the agreement with the Chilli Boys. 

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As a free agent before the start of this season, the 23-year-old Teto signed a contract with Sundowns and was subsequently loaned out to AmaTuks in the Motsepe Foundation Championship

“In my previous club, I brought Teto. I brought him back from Scotland to Chippa. So, I’ve worked with him. He is a player with lots of potential. Young players make mistakes, but it’s always about second opportunities,” Kopo told media during the Nedbank Cup press conference in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Thursday.

“We have to be patient with him. He’s had a difficult period, going abroad and not getting an opportunity to play due to documentation and not necessarily ability,” said the coach adding that the youngster is doing well since his return.

“He is a good player going forward, very good in one versus one. Nice balance and coordination and a good finisher. But there are a lot of other players who are doing well for us, Ntando Nkosi, Sifiso Mazibuko. It’s also credit to the senior players in the team, Abel Mabaso, Vusi Sibiya, Veli Mothwa. We have a good squad and good team cohesion.”

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Another player who is on loan to AmaTuks from Sundowns is striker Jody Ah Shene. The national under-20 striker was signed by the Tshwane giants during the January transfer window from Cape Town City and was immediately loaned out to AmaTuks. 

AmaTuks, meanwhile, will take on Sekhukhune United in the Nedbank Cup last 32 at Tuks Stadium on Sunday.

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