Share

Sundowns reject Mphela offer

Mamelodi Sundowns have rejected a R7.3 million bid for Katlego Mphela from Russian club Terek Grozny. 

The South Africa hitman, who struck the winner in Wednesday's victory over Ghana, has been in demand since top-scoring in the Premier Soccer League last season and impressing at the recent World Cup.

However, the big-spending Brazilians insist Terek's offer is too low for their star asset, with Scottish champions Glasgow Rangers also showing an interest.

Mphela (25), though, is fearful Downs' asking price will prevent him from moving abroad.

"I don't know what to do," he told the Sunday Times.

"Russia is not a bad league and I could make a good living there.

"I'm willing to play in any European league ... Russia, England, Scotland. I'm not saying the PSL is weak, but you have to get new challenges to improve as a player. And I'm not getting younger."

He added, however, that he will honour his contract with Downs should a foreign switch fail to happen.

Sundowns spokesperson Alex Shakoane has defended the club's evaluation of Mphela but refused to give a figure publicly.

"Mphela has been in discussions with the club and we made it public that we are not selling unless we get a market-related offer, not one that suits African countries.

"They know better, and we know better. We know what the market is like outside. Mphela is the club's leading goal scorer and Bafana's leading goal scorer.

"There are players locally who don't score goals for the national side who are valued at double that amount. All I can say is that clubs shouldn't raise a player's hopes if they know the amount they are offering is not reasonable."
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1811 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1769 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1074 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 456 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 184 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE