Venda Football Club (VFC) have recalled Malawian striker Adepoju Babatunde as they push for promotion to the Betway Premiership at the end of the current season.
The club’s media and marketing manager, Nelo Ntshudisane, said Babatunde resumed training with the team on Monday.
The 30-year-old striker joined the Thohoyandou-based side in January 2023 on a 42-month contract but spent only six months at the club before moving on loan to Malawian giants Big Bullets. His performances there caught the attention of Malawi’s national team coach.
Babatunde featured several times for the Malawi national team last year and scored the only goal in a 1-0 international friendly win over Lesotho on Tuesday, 18 November. His loan spell at Big Bullets ended last month.
Ntshudisane said Babatunde’s return would help address the team’s scoring problems. VFC have scored 10 goals and conceded the same number in 14 league matches, leaving them seventh on the log with 20 points, seven behind leaders Milford FC.
Ntshudisane also confirmed the departure of midfielder Chris Matombo, who joined the club in July last year and made only two official appearances. She added that young midfielder Mudodzwa Ndou has been promoted from the club’s development ranks.
VFC will open the new year with a home match against Upington City at Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday, 24 January.