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Tuks look to the future

Pretoria - University of Pretoria boss Steve Barker says he is looking toward securing the club's future generations and as a result has taken in a host of promising young talent.

"I'm a coach who likes young players who are willing to learn and are easily coachable," Barker said in Pretoria on Thursday.

"We have once again placed the emphasis on acquiring young players and I am confident, with the team we have, we will be able to compete at the top half of the table."

Already a beneficiary of the Varsity Soccer tournament, which kicked off earlier this month, Barker said he was looking forward to seeing his latest acquisition, Botshelo Mfulwane.

Mfulwane traded universities and has enrolled in a sports science course at the University of Pretoria, having previously represented the Tshwane University of Technology during last year's Varsity Cup.

"I'm delighted that Botshelo has switched to Tuks and he is a great prospect for the future."

Barker has mixed youth with experience and, as part of his seven new signings before the start of the new season, Tuks have added Zimbabwean international Partson Jaure, who signed from Zimbabwean giants Dynamos.

Jaure is a direct replacement for Buhle Mkhwanazi, who left Tuks and joined Wits.

"As a club we felt it was the right time for us and for the player [Mkhwanazi] to make the deal.

"Partson is a major coup for the club and we are happy that a player of his calibre will be helping us in our cause this season."

Partson, however, is likely to miss Tuks' opening three league fixtures, as he attempts to secure a work permit and visa to play in South Africa.

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