Amid talk of Orlando Pirates' interest in Chippa United midfielder Maloisane Mokhele, the player's representative has commented on the future of the rising star.
Mokhele has attracted interest from both the Buccaneers and Mamelodi Sundowns, as reported in edition 1226 of Soccer Laduma, following his impressive performances this season, despite Chippa's disappointing results in their DStv Premiership campaign.
Despite being only in his first season in the top-flight, the 24-year-old has been nominated for the Nedbank Cup's Most Promising Player of the Tournament award and will be competing for the top prize with Kaizer Chiefs' Njabulo Blom and Khanyisa Mayo from Richards Bay FC.
"Pirates has been impressed with Mokhele, who has been impressive for Chippa and has been nominated for the Nedbank Cup's Most Promising Player of the Tournament award. He is a talented boy who is in his first season in the big league but has been playing like he has been around for a long time," a source close to Chippa told the Siya crew.
"Informal enquiries have been made from Pirates on the availability of the player, but for any deal to take place, Chippa will have to approve it, as he is still contracted to the club. The club has an option of one year to extend his deal after signing him on a one-year contract at the beginning of the season," said the source.
Contacted for comment, Mokhele's representative Ratshibvumo Mulovhedzi confirmed interest in the Bloemfontein Celtic development product but referred enquiries to the player's employers at the Gqeberha-based club.
"I can't deny that there is interest in the player after the season he has had, and interest isn't from just one club, but at this stage we can't be talking to any clubs about him because he is contracted to Chippa United and is focused on helping the club out of their current situation on the log. Any club that is interested in the player should contact Chippa United directly," said Mulovhedzi.
