Cape Town City's challenge to retain their promising talent could intensify as multiple suitors circle one of their standout performers, the Siya crew has been informed.
Young midfielder Gabriel Amato's impressive individual displays despite his team's collective struggles had not gone unnoticed, with interest reportedly emerging from both local and international markets.
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With Cape Town City expected to have been relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship after losing in the promotion/relegation playoffs, they could lose important players. Though, the club is still waiting for the appeals process regarding their case with Marumo Gallants. If City could get back into the Betway Premiership, then they may stand a better chance of keeping key players.
Until then, it's now believed that another Western Cape side is assessing the promising midfielder who has also attracted interest from outside South Africa.
Insiders close to the situation and privy to reliable information have indicated that Stellenbosch FC have shown interest in Amato, who was also reportedly attracting interest from abroad, including MLS side Cincinnati FC.
"There has been interest from the MLS, of course, and other local teams, but at the moment it's believed that Stellenbosch FC are interested in Gabriel (Amato) too. Though, he is still a Cape Town City player and only they can decide at the end of the day, because it will involve money as well. But it's believed the interest from Stellenbosch is there," the insider told Soccer Laduma.
A second insider stated that any move for Amato could depend on where City will be playing next season.
"It's believed that it won't be easy for City to let him go, mainly because it's a local team. They are also looking at their situation first before just letting him go. We understand the interest is there, but will City agree to it? That's what we have to wait for," the second insider revealed.
Amato was one of the regulars at City last season in what was not a good campaign for the club. Still, the 19-year-old had featured in many games, showing great progress and potential at his age in the Premiership.
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Soccer Laduma contacted Cape Town City, and owner John Comitis to comment on Amato's situation, but Comitis stated that at the moment their focus is on their case against Marumo Gallants, which will be going to the SAFA Arbitration for appeal.
This publication also contacted Stellenbosch FC media officer Liam Bekker, who sent the following response.
"As a matter of policy, the club does not comment on transfer-related matters and speculation," Bekker wrote to the Siya crew.
