Sekhukhune United could be preparing for the possibility of life without rising star Vuyo Letlapa, with Siya sources indicating that the club is monitoring the situation of Bafana Bafana defender Terrence Mashego at Mamelodi Sundowns.
Letlapa, 22, has been one of the standout young performers in the Betway Premiership since his arrival from Jomo Cosmos, where his potential had long been tipped for bigger things by club legend Jomo Sono.
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In his debut season in the top flight, the left-back featured in 27 matches, and his performances earned him the recognition of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos who called him up for the previous matches.
His rapid rise has not gone unnoticed abroad. In July, Sekhukhune chairman Simon Malatji confirmed the club had received offers from Europe, with Austria Vienna among the suitors. While the approaches were rebuffed at the time, Malatji admitted that the long-term plan is to allow the defender to make the step up when the conditions are right.
With European scouts expected to maintain their interest in Letlapa, Sekhukhune appear to be planning ahead should a transfer materialise.
According to Siya sources, the club has been keeping a close eye on Mashego’s situation at Sundowns, where the 29-year-old is facing intense competition following the arrival of Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch FC.
Mashego has struggled for consistent game-time at Chloorkop, with Aubrey Modiba and Divine Lunga also ahead of him in the pecking order.
While his quality was evident during the recent CHAN tournament, his club future remains uncertain, and Sundowns could be open to offers should suitable opportunities arise.
Adding to the intrigue is the fact that Sekhukhune head coach Eric Tinkler previously worked with Mashego at Cape Town City, where the defender established himself as one of the most consistent left-backs in the league before his move to Sundowns.
That existing relationship could strengthen Babina Noko’s hand should they decide to make a move.
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Although Kaizer Chiefs were previously linked with the Bafana full-back, Sekhukhune’s interest could represent a fresh option, particularly if the club looks to replace Letlapa in the near future.
But as things stand, Letlapa remains firmly part of Sekhukhune’s plans, although the signs suggest that Babina Noko are thinking long-term, balancing their ambitions in domestic and continental competitions with the inevitable possibility of losing one of the league’s brightest young prospects to Europe.
