Marumo Gallants Eye Botswana Star Jean Lwamba in Transfer Tug-of-War with Durban City FC

Marumo Gallants FC have entered the race to sign one of Southern Africa’s hottest attacking prospects, Jean Lwamba, in a move that could hijack Durban City FC’s plans. The striker, fresh off an outstanding season in Botswana, is currently in KwaZulu-Natal where he was expected to finalise a deal with newly-promoted Durban City—but Gallants’ late push has suddenly thrown the transfer into uncertainty.

Lwamba, who shone brightly for Tafic FC in the 2024/25 Botswana Premier League, was named Player of the Season and ended the campaign as joint top goalscorer with an impressive 15 goals. His exploits have not gone unnoticed, and his ability to find the back of the net has attracted interest beyond Botswana’s borders.

Sources close to the situation revealed that while Lwamba was in Durban with the intention of signing a contract, Marumo Gallants made a surprise late bid that could sway the striker’s final decision. “Lwamba is in Durban to sign with Durban City, but Marumo Gallants have submitted a late bid. The boy is not there for assessment; he is there to sign,” a source confirmed to KickOff.

The 24-year-old Congolese forward has been a revelation in Botswana’s top flight, combining pace, power, and sharp finishing—traits that both Durban City and Gallants desperately need as they bolster their squads ahead of the new season.

Durban City have already made headlines with a flurry of new signings to prepare for life in the top flight. Their latest acquisitions include experienced defender Liam De Kock, Ghanaian shot-stopper Fredrik Asare, Upington City’s Trevor Mokwena, promising midfielder Brooklyn Poggenpoel, and veteran goalkeeper Darren Keet. Securing a proven striker like Lwamba would be a major statement of intent from the club.

However, with Gallants now in the mix, the battle for Lwamba’s signature is heating up. Gallants are reportedly eager to rebuild their squad with firepower after a challenging campaign and see Lwamba as a key part of their offensive solution.

As the transfer window remains open, all eyes will be on where Jean Lwamba ultimately lands. Will Durban City close the deal they had lined up, or will Marumo Gallants swoop in to claim one of Southern Africa’s most in-demand forwards? The answer could shape both clubs’ ambitions in the coming season.