Mokoena set to seal Pompey switch
Aaron Mokoena is set to become Pompey's first capture of the new season.
Question marks have been raised over the 28-year-old's potential arrival in the light of Sulaiman Al Fahim's bid to transform the club.
In addition, the Blues have never publicly confirmed the South African skipper's claims that a three-year deal is in place.
However, The News understands the former Blackburn man is still on track to link-up with Pompey.
Now all that needs to be finalised is a work permit.
And following South Africa's impressive fourth-place showing at the Confederations Cup, during which Mokoena – whose nickname in Africa is The Axe – was an ever-present, that is not thought to be a problem.
With pre-season training just eight days away, his recruitment would represent a timely boost.
The squad is short on numbers following a major close-season clear-out and the sale of Glen Johnson.
Mokoena operates as a central defender for his country while the majority of his 139 appearances at Blackburn were achieved as a holding midfielder.
That versatility is seen as crucial in the campaign ahead, particularly with the squad in desperate need of some depth.
Of course, that could all change once Al Fahim completes his eagerly-awaited takeover and wades into the transfer market.
Regardless, Mokoena has long been identified by former manager Paul Hart as an ideal recruit.
And it was while at the helm at the end of last season that the former Nottingham Forest boss persuaded him to journey to the south coast for regular football.
It was Mokoena himself who announced his signing for Pompey back in May – within minutes of last season ending.
Now the only potential sticking point is his work permit.
According to the criteria, a player must have represented his country in at least 75 per cent of its competitive matches, for which he was available, during the preceding two years.
Having made 88 appearances since his South African debut in 1999, that will not be a problem.
However, the player's country must also be at or above 70th place in the official FIFA world rankings when averaged over the previous two years.
At present, South Africa are ranked joint 72nd along with Trinidad & Tobago.
With rankings adjusted by the month, that is expected to improve following the recent Confederations Cup campaign.
The Bafana Bafana suffered an agonising semi-final defeat to Brazil due to Daniel Alves' 88th-minute match-winner.
It then took Spain extra-time to beat them in the third/fourth play-off fixture after South Africa had been just two minutes from victory in the initial 90 minutes.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Thursday 24 May 2012
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