Fadlou Davids Reveals Why Raja Did Not Sign South African Players Last Winter

South African Fadlou Davids, head coach of Raja Club Athletic, has revealed the reasons that prevented the club from signing South African players during the last winter transfer window, stressing that financial challenges and market difficulties were among the main obstacles.

In an exclusive statement to the South African newspaper Soccer Laduma, Davids said: "We certainly tried in January to sign a number of South African players, but it is always difficult, as the move usually takes the form of a loan, and the transfer fees for players at the big clubs are high compared to our budget."

The Raja coach added: "We made many enquiries to fill some of the positions we needed, but mid-season is always difficult, as some clubs were competing for the league title or the CAF Champions League, so it was hard to get their players at that time. We will reconsider the matter at the end of the season, whether in South Africa or in other regions of the world."

Davids' statement comes amid comparisons with what other South African coaches have done in North Africa, such as Pitso Mosimane, who helped Al Ahly sign Percy Tau, and Rulani Mokwena, who brought Thembinkosi Lorch and Cassius Mailula to Wydad Athletic Club after leaving Mamelodi Sundowns.

Raja had been interested in signing Monnapule Saleng from Orlando Pirates last January, but he moved to Sundowns, while Davids had previously signed Neo Maema and Rushine De Reuck from Sundowns for Simba before his move to Raja.