Mamelodi Sundowns have announced two signings so far, but there remains question marks over their hunt for a centre back after Thulani Hlatshwayo rejected their advances.
It is believed the Bidvest Wits skipper has instead committed to a long-term deal at Orlando Pirates and an announcement is expected when the season is concluded.
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Word reaching the Siya crew is that Sundowns appear to have hit the pause button on their search for another alternative, this after coming second behind Premier Soccer League rivals Pirates in the race to sign to sign ‘Tyson’.
The Bafana Bafana captain had become a top priority at Chloorkop with Bidvest Wits understood to be selling off assets – some of their high earners – ahead of the sale to businessman Masala Mulaudzi, which has since been confirmed.
Downs are unlikely to completely give up their search for a centre back – Rushine De Reuck, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Edmilson Dove and Siyanda Xulu all believed to have been on their shortlist for next season.
According to Siya sources, the club made contact with Maritzburg United nearly two months ago to inquire about De Reuck, but nothing has materialised from that conversation. Mphahlele remains a Kaizer Chiefs player at the moment, but is awaiting to see whether coach Ernst Middendorp will still be at Naturena in the coming weeks before making a decision on his future, though the defender still has two more years on his contract.
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Indications are that there has not been any follow up on Downs’ interest in Cape Town City’s Dove or Siyanda Xulu, who is now a free agent after Maritzburg did not offer him a contract extension beyond June 30.
The following players made it onto Downs' wishlist and some of them have since been signed, but not confirmed by the club as yet - scroll through the gallery to see.
