The big question over the next few weeks is where Thulani Serero will be playing his football and this week's Friday Debate asks if the experienced player should try to get one last big contract abroad or come back to the PSL?
Serero has been abroad for 12 years and indications are that he could play his football in the PSL, with Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs believed to be interested in his services. The three individuals on the Friday Debate share their thoughts on what should happen next with the former PSL Footballer of the Season.
Bradley Taaibosch - football agent
He is a proven export. Many have gone and have come back home quickly. What would make sense for him is to find another team in a similar league. But if one of the teams in the PSL can compete in terms of salary, then I think he can come home, unless he can find a team there that says play and start doing your (coaching) badges. Then it would be okay to stay that side. But if that's not on the table and there is a salary that a team here can match, then he must come back and try to work out a deal. If I was his agent, I'd say come back home and let's work out a deal where you can set yourself up for coaching and so on, because we all know he's got a high football IQ. Maybe from the first season he would play and then from the second season he would work with the under-13s and so on while he does his coaching badges. If I was his agent, those would be the two options on the table. Then it terms of coming back here, it does not necessarily have to be the big three. There are guys who can pay well. Sekhukhune can pay well, AmaZulu can pay you well. He can look at something like that, where you maybe take a bit of a knock on your salary, but you set yourself up where you are in the structure.
Ratshibvumo Mulovhedzi - football agent
I think it's no longer about money for him. He has made enough money and I think that's why he wants to come back. The team that would suit him, in my opinion, is Kaizer Chiefs. Because when you are done playing football, there is a way he can benefit because Chiefs are one of the big clubs in South Africa and well supported. If he were to retire at Chiefs, he can work as an ambassador for the club and that would be beneficial to him. You see how things have gone for someone like Phumudzo Manenzhe who was at Pirates. It's the same when you play for Chiefs. Another thing is that Chiefs need a player like him, which is why I feel it would suit him to go there. He can fit in at Chiefs because they don't have a playmaker. I think that's the only team he can play for because he will fit in very well. I think he will come back to play in the PSL.
Bradley August - former Bafana Bafana striker
At his age, you are always looking for that last contract. The best contract. He is 33 and he will be looking for the best one. I think it will be irrelevant if he stays there or comes back to the country because it's all about the last pay cheque. Another thing is that he will be thinking about life after football when he signs his next contract. If he signs for a PSL club, maybe he will look into whether he can get a job here once he has retired, in the junior structures or the DDC, whatever the case may be. It's always something players look at when they are at that age. It's not just about signing any contract.
