Mamelodi Sundowns have made a surprise call on one of their defenders and look set to use it to their advantage.
The club has included left back Terrence Mashego in the final FIFA Club World Cup squad, despite the former Cape Town City and TS Galaxy player seeing little game time under head coach Miguel Cardoso.
READ: Downs Legends Show Off New Kit In NYC Tournament
Sundowns have taken up the one-year option in Mashego's deal, taking his contract to June 2026. This is despite the player making just 13 appearances in all competitions for the Tshwane giants in the past season.
Exercising the player's contract, however, does not guarantee that he will stay at the club next season.
This means that, should Sundowns take up the option, clubs interested in the player would not get him for free. But extending his contract also gives Sundowns the option of using him in a deal to get another player.
READ: Gallery: All Of Sundowns' Jerseys Since 2016
Sundowns are believed to be leading the race to sign Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch FC and could possibly use the player in a deal to secure the Bafana Bafana left back. Stellies are believed to be open to signing Mashego and Sundowns could use him to sweeten the deal for Basadien.
