Nigeria international Kayode Bankole has completed a move to South African Premiership side TS Galaxy, bringing an end to his five-year stay with NPFL outfit Remo Stars.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper signed his contract with the Mpumalanga-based club earlier in the day.

Bankole joined Remo Stars in 2020 and became one of the club’s most consistent performers, leaving as their longest-serving goalkeeper. His contract expired at the close of the 2024/25 NPFL season, and he was among five senior players released as the Sky Blue Stars began a squad rebuild.

Striker Sikiru Alimi, Beninese forward Frank Mawuena, defender Seun Ogunribide, and midfielder Fabian Nworie also departed, while long-serving captain Junior Nduka exited shortly after the new campaign kicked off.

The reshuffle left a leadership vacuum in Daniel Ogunmodede’s team. Adedayo Olamilekan, who was voted the club’s best player last season, has since taken over the captain’s armband on an interim basis.

Bankole’s influence at Remo Stars waned last season after he lost his starting spot to Benin Republic international Serge Obassa. Despite his reduced playing time, his experience, having been part of the Super Eagles’ squad in previous international windows, made him an attractive signing for TS Galaxy.

The South African side, owned by businessman Tim Sukazi, has been one of the most ambitious clubs in the PSL since its establishment in 2015.

After securing promotion to the top flight, they have recorded steady progress, finishing 9th, 13th, 10th, 6th, and 5th in their last five league campaigns.

Currently placed eighth in the Premiership after six matches, TS Galaxy see Bankole’s arrival as part of their strategy to strengthen their squad depth.

The Rockets’ immediate task is a South African League Cup clash against ORBIT College on Saturday, before returning to league action against Magesi FC on October 18 after the international break.