Swallows chairman David Mogashoa has confirmed the club is holding on to one of their midfielders despite apparent interest from Mamelodi Sundowns.
While the Dube Birds boss would not be drawn into suggestions that Tlakusani Mthethwa is subject to an enquiry from Chloorkop, he did reveal to the Siya crew that their plans are for the player to remain at Swallows for two more years.
“Tlakusani has unfortunately struggled with injuries in the last few months, but we want to keep him here. He signed a one-year deal with an option to have it extended by two seasons and I can confirm that we have triggered the option,” said Mogashoa.
The Siya crew had previously reported that Downs were understood to be monitoring Mthethwa, but it has since emerged that the interest has cooled off.
Whether that has anything to do with his injury is unclear, but Sundowns do have plenty of alternatives in the defensive midfield role, so much so that captain Hlompho Kekana hardly featured this season.
Mthethwa, however, was a regular for coach Brandon Truter until he got hurt in March and missed the remaining 11 DStv Premiership games of the season for the Dube Birds, who finished in sixth place despite an unwanted record of 20 draws.
Truter confirmed to the media at the weekend that six players are expected to leave Swallows at the end of the month, but he did not give names.
Indications are that he may have had Sifiso Hlanti and Kgaogelo Sekgota in mind – the duo signed for Kaizer Chiefs last year, but could not be registered because of the FIFA ban, which will finally be lifted on July 1.
Sammy Seabi is also expected to Sundowns, who loaned him out for the season (see gallery above for more).
Story by @superjourno
