SuperSport United interim coach Andre Arendse admits that Amajita defender Neo Rapoo will join up with the club and is expected to play a big part as they try to avoid the relegation playoffs.
Rapoo and the U20 national team arrived back in the country on Tuesday from their successful 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Egypt where South Africa where crowned champions.
The left-back joined the national camp slightly late as his club asked that he assist in the Betway Premiership and Arendse has expressed joy for the 19-year-old and proud of his performances and adds that Rapoo will be key for Matsatsantsa in the final stretch of their campaign.
“I’m very happy for him,” said Arendse.
“We had a discussion that he is a key member of my squad. He did a job for me before he left, and it was important for him to go and realize his dreams. And what he achieved in the tournament was fulfilling a dream and I’m happy that we played a part in it for him.
“We’ll have him back for the last couple [of games] and he’s going to be a big, big, member for us, big part of the team as will each and every other single player. Next game, we will assess any injuries, any niggles. We will have a look at who’s got some tired legs and we ‘ll change the squad a little bit if we have to but we’ve got to get it right.
Rapoo was not the only SuperSport-attached player in Raymond Mdaka’s squad with Lazola Maku and Thabang Mahlangu being the others and the former Bafana Bafana number one says the contribution to the national junior sides speaks volumes about the development that happens at the club.
“I could just throw a few names at you,” added Arendse.
“When you talk about development you need to talk about Ronwen Williams, Kermit Erasmus, Kamogelo Mokotjo all of those players and now you speak about this group of players now that’s coming through. So, it speaks volumes for who we are as a club and what we stand for.
“We’re a developing club. There’s no doubt about that and the proof is there and letting players go to bigger things. Shandre Campbell is another one that’s come through the ranks.
“So, we’re very proud of that side of our club and we’ll continue because we know how to do it.”
