Despite currently facing a FIFA transfer ban on registering new foreign players, Saint George (Kidus Giorgis) is moving forward with an ambitious squad overhaul, lining up two international recruits while securing the services of a defensive anchor.
During head coach Sredojevic Micho’s presentation detailing his team structure and squad design, two foreign names were revealed in Micho’s prospective lineup. Addressing queries from the press regarding the ongoing registration restriction, Micho clarified that the strategic move is designed for early integration.
“Saint George is a massive club,” Micho stated. “We are bringing these two foreign players early so they can adapt to the club’s culture, the environment, and the team dynamics beforehand. For instance, one of the players had an offer to move to France, but he specifically chose Saint George because he recognizes the value it brings to his career. They are expected to arrive in Ethiopia on Monday, undergo medical examinations and join our pre season preparations from day one.”
Expanding on the regulatory side, Saint George board member Ato Tofik indicated that while the players will join team training starting Monday in an informal capacity, they will officially sign and become eligible to play after October 19, when the administrative status is expected to be cleared.
According to details confirmed by Soccer Ethiopia, the two incoming international players fit squarely into the club’s new strategy focused on building a young squad. The first recruit is Van Igor Boukaka, a 20 year old Congolese center back who previously featured for Inter Club Brazzaville in his home country. Boukaka is scheduled to land in Addis Ababa on Monday to seal his move. The second recruit is Christ Toulounga, a 20 year old Congolese forward with experience representing the Congo U-23 national team, as well as stints at Diables Noirs and Algerian side Paradou AC. Toulounga had previously traveled to Ethiopia months ago to join the Horsemen before being delayed by transfer restrictions, and he is now set to return early next week to finalize his tenure.
The arrival of these two 20 year olds aligns directly with the club’s wider long term directive presented at the Sheraton Addis. Under the new technical project, Saint George’s recruitment framework is heavily centered on youth, with every single new signing brought to the club being under 25 years old.
Alongside these youth additions, experience remains essential to balancing the backline. Saint George has officially agreed to a contract extension with defender Aminu Nasiru. After joining Saint George last season following an impressive spell with Halaba Ketema the defender brings valuable pedigree to the squad. Aminu previously lifted the Premier League title with Mekelle 70 Enderta and Jimma Aba Jifar.
