The agent of highly-rated defender Sifiso Mbhele has revealed how sheer persistence saw ambitious GladAfrica Championship side, Sekhukhune United beat PSL clubs to his signature.
Back in July, the Siya crew reported that there was interest in the defender's services from the likes of Kaizer Chiefs and Baroka FC, amongst other clubs.
Due to fears of losing the player in January - as he would have been eligible to sign a pre-contract with a club of his choice, the Lions of the North tied the defender down on a two-year contract.
However, despite signing a new contract just a few months prior, the player opted to head for the exit door when Tim Sukazi acquired Highlands Park's top-flight status.
The player managed to reach an agreement regarding a settlement from TS Galaxy over his existing contract with the club, and parted ways amicably before the season commenced.
With the player being a free agent, talk was rife that he would be remaining in the DStv Premiership. His representative, Mashudu Mulovhedzi of Rush Hour Sports, has now revealed how Sekhukhune won the race for the 33-year old's signature.
"The way they showed him love and professionalism. The Chairman Simon Malatji and the CEO Jonas Malatji used to call me every day to ask for Sifiso, because they know what he can do and if ever he is there, they said he can take them to the PSL. The way they called me showed that they were very serious, that is why we ended up signing with Sekhukhune, which is a very good move for the player."
The agent confirmed that the likes of Black Leopards, Baroka FC, Golden Arrows, Cape Town Spurs and Free State Stars all showed interest, but it was the offer of Sekhukhune which came up trumps.
"The offer that Sekhukhune gave us, as well as the plans and the visions of the club, convinced us. We saw this team is going to the PSL. I call them the Manchester City of the GladAfrica, because they are so professional.
"The PSL clubs were offering less than what Sekhukhune is giving – that is why we managed to sign with them," Mulovhedzi told the Siya crew.
The experienced defender is believed to have signed for one year, with the option to extend for a further year with the club.
TS Galaxy, however, recently made numerous new signings, view them below:
