With reported interest from Al Ahly and a striker's contract coming to an end on Monday night, Mamelodi Sundowns are set to make their decision on one of their experienced players.
As previously reported by Soccer Laduma, Sundowns striker Lebo Mothiba, who had signed a short-term contract, is reportedly wanted by the Egyptian giants.
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A Chloorkop insider with insight into contract negotiations has indicated that there appears to be a solution for both the club and the player.
"At the moment the club is believed to be looking at keeping him after his performance at the FIFA Club World Cup and also the biggest factor is that coach Miguel Cardoso believes in him. Apparently it's the coach who had asked Mothiba to be given more time to recover and play for the team and now they are working around keeping him. Talks are already believed to have started. You know he has an option to extend for another year and that's what the club is exploring to do as they want to keep him," the source told Soccer Laduma.
Meanwhile, a confidant with knowledge of the club's striker requirements stated that instead of Sundowns looking for a new player, it's easier if they keep Mothiba.
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"They don't want to waste time looking for a new striker while they can keep Mothiba mainly after his performance at the Club World Cup where he even scored a goal. It's believed that the technical team thinks that if Lebo can have a full pre-season training with the team then he would be a great asset to the club this coming season and that's why they have proposed to management to keep him," the second source revealed.
The striker's situation represents an interesting turn of events after half a year where the South African didn't even get a look into the team. Lately, his Club World Cup performances could potentially have saved his Sundowns career just as his contract reached its conclusion.
With Al Ahly's reported interest providing external pressure, Sundowns appear to be moving quickly to secure a player who has shown glimpses of his quality on the global stage.
