Former Gaborone United (GU) midfielder, Ofentse ‘Size 10′ Nato, says he is ready for the challenge which lies ahead at his new club, Bidvest Wits, in the South African Premier League.
Nato penned a two-year deal with the Milpark-based side recently which brings to an end his five-year stay at GU. Nato already introduced himself to Wits’ supporters when he scored with a header a fortnight ago during the Gauteng Challenge Cup which was hosted at Super Stadium outside Pretoria. “I’ve settled well at the club and I’m enjoying every moment here. The good thing is that the coaches say that they saw me at AFCON (Nations Cup in January) which gives me hope that I would be able to play,” said Nato from Johannesburg on Friday morning.
The towering midfielder was signed by the Students after going through trials at other Premier League clubs, Supersport United and Pretoria University. He said that he is happy to have signed for Wits and he is looking forward to the new season. Nato is expected to face stiff competition at the club but he is not worried.
In the current transfer period, Wits have signed 10 players, including experienced campaigners like Mathew Pattison, Tinashe Nengomasha, Bryce Moon and Aaron Mokoena.
”When I got to the national team I was 18 but I managed to break into the starting line-up ahead of already established players. When I came here I knew that it’s not going to be easy but I’m confident that I’ll play. I believe in pushing myself in order to achieve my goals,” said Nato. He pointed out that playing alongside Mokoena who captained South Africa at the 2010 World Cup and played in the English Premier League for Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth would help improve his game.
“I’ll learn a lot from guys like Mokoena and Pattison because they have played the game at the highest level for a long time. They have also played in Europe so their guidance is vital,” he said.
After spending five years at GU, Nato said it was very difficult to leave but pointed out this was something he has always wished for. He said GU will always have a soft place in his heart because that is the club which introduced him to big time football.
“It’s a pity that I did not have time to bid my supporters farewell but I’ll always remain grateful to them. I’m going to miss them,” he said. Nato wished his teammates all the best ahead of the Coca-Cola Cup final against Mochudi Centre Chiefs at UB Stadium this afternoon.
After reports that GU were at loggerheads with Wits over his price, GU secretary Hebert Letsebe said both parties have reached an agreement. “We’re in the process of releasing his clearance and I’m confident that it will be done by today. It is important that he goes to play in a bigger league and we would like to wish him all the best,” said Lebotse on Friday morning.
