Epoupa reels from Rusike SA tackle

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THE recent move by Warriors striker, Evans Rusike, from Maritzburg United to Supersport United might have put a dent to Christian Epoupaa��s chances of securing an immediate deal with the club.

Epoupa, a Dynamos striker, was recently in South Africa where he was assessed by Supersport coach Eric Tinkler and his lieutenants.

The DeMbare forward was most recently training with Bidvest Wits, but he resurfaced at SuperSport with an eye on sealing a move to the South African topflight.

Dynamos secretary-general Webster Marechera said while they would have loved to see their Cameroonian striker secure a deal in Mzansi, the arrival of Rusike at Supersport had put a dentA� on their strikera��s wish for a move to Supa Diski.

a�?We had a series of discussions with Supersport. They were very much keen on taking Epoupa on board. However, they settled for Rusike which put a dent on our playera��s chances of securing a deal with them,a�? said Marechera.

Rusike has already won the heart of Supersport United chief executive officer Stanley Matthews.

a�?We have been watching Evans (Rusike) with great interest over the last few years at Maritzburg. He has all the makings of a great striker with blistering pace, great skill and can finish in the box. We look forward to him making a meaningful contribution for us over the next years,a�? Matthews said.

After a blistering start to the season, Rusikea��s consistency and potency in front of goal have paid off.A� Rusike had a�� for the second successive season a�� been on fire for Maritzburg United and in the process attracted interest from their bigger Premiership rivals with Kaizer Chiefs having also been on the hunt for his signature.

Although Maritzburg United had vowed to keep their man, at least until June in order for them to secure a top-eight finish, the Team of Choice eventually settled for the deal that SuperSport United had tabled before them.

Rusike had firmly set his sights on working hard to turn heads overseas.

a�?Ita��s been good [at SuperSport], but it came as a shock. I was expecting a move to happen at the end of the season for me, but I am happy with the move,a�? said Rusike.

a�?My focus going into the current season was to work hard and then wait to see what move will come. I was thinking of Europe. Then I heard SuperSport want my services. They are a big team and they have won things. I said I could fit into the team and I decided to join them,a�? he added.

The Zimbabwean marksman had long been linked with a possible move to Gauteng, and Matsatsantsa finally won the race for his services ahead of Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs.

The Zimbabweana��s arrival at Supersport also put a dent to Christian Epoupaa��s chances of securing an immediate deal with the South African side with the Dynamos striker reportedly still being assessed by coach Eric Tinkler and his lieutenants.