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Crunch time for Zim players at Mamelodi Sundowns

Sport
WITH JUST four days into the 2013 transfer window, Zimbabwe football players at South African Absa Premiership giants Mamelodi Sundowns - Esrom Nyandoro, Method Mwanjali and Nyasha Mushekwi are teetering on the brink of exits as their contracts run out on June 30.

WITH JUST four days into the 2013 transfer window, Zimbabwe football players at South African Absa Premiership giants Mamelodi Sundowns – Esrom Nyandoro, Method Mwanjali and Nyasha Mushekwi are teetering on the brink of exits as their contracts run out on June 30.

Report by Sports Editor/Kick Off

Reports from South Africa yesterday indicated that Sundowns owner Patrice Motsepe is worried about the huge salary bill and might let go some of his top stars.

Sundowns, closed for business until Monday, have brought in Pitso Mosimane to replace sacked Johan Neeskens and the trio has been receiving some game time, which might give them a reprieve.

Nyandoro, turning 33 on February 6, in particular has been a regular feature under both coaches and is a “personal” favourite of Motsepe. He has been captain before, having arrived at Chloorkop in 2004 and won the Jet Rookie of the Year on his debut season.

This is in addition to two league titles and various monthly awards he has bagged, making him one of the highest paid players at the Brazilians.

In the last transfer window, he was linked with a move to another cash-rich club Platinum Stars, but he might eventually see out his career at Sundowns.

Mwanjali was frozen out by Neeskens, but returned to the starting 11 when Mosimane took over, while Mushekwi – who is likely to leave for Germany in June – is also back among the starters after playing a largely cameo role.

According to reports, Mosimane will have to give a report on whether or not the club should retain the services of Doctor Mampuru, Mwanjali, Nyandoro, Teko Modise, Richard Henyekane, Katlego Mphela and Mushekwi.

Orlando Pirates, Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs are also chasing Zambian and TP Mazembe international Rainford Kalaba. Pirates might also revive their association with Malawian midfielder Joseph Kamwendo, who is eager to return to the PSL.

But De Sa is most concerned with acquiring a quality striker as veteran Benni McCarthy continues to struggle to fully recover from a hamstring injury. And with the bulky Takesure Chinyama and Thulasizwe Mbuyane also prone to injuries, De Sa has his sights set on Zimbabwean forward Roderick Mutuma, who plays for Harare-based outfit Dynamos.

Pirates, however, are not too eager to officially reveal the players they are targeting – probably in fear of jeopardising negotiations.

“During the transfer window, players will come and players will go. All this will be decided when the time is right,” said Pirates’ Mickey Modisane.