The Siya crew broke the news of Swallows’ interest in Mamelodi Sundowns skipper Hlompho Kekana back in June.
The Siya crew broke the news of Swallows’ interest in Mamelodi Sundowns skipper Hlompho Kekana back in June.
Now, the Dube Birds have finally confirmed the veteran midfielder was indeed a top priority target for coach Brandon Truter, but the delay in Kekana making up his mind meant Swallows had to move on.
“He is one of the first players that the coach put forward when we were planning for the season, which tells you that he would have planned around him,” said David Mogashoa, the Dube Birds chairman.
“We had spoken to Sundowns, but the only problem is that they then had to consult with the player – and that took long. We had to move on, plan and prepare the team for the new season. But I can confirm that the interest was there, and it was serious.”
Kekana has since been informed by the Downs technical team that he will not be part of their plans for the 2021/22 season, with the Siya crew reporting on Monday that the skipper had been also stopped training with the first team.
Indications are that he could still continue to play, but elsewhere, or be absorbed into the club structures in a role similar to that of Tiyani Mabunda.
Mabunda was made Downs ambassador when his contract was not renewed in June.
“The experience is there. He is a very good player, and his presence would have been felt on the pitch, but we just couldn’t wait,” Mogashoa explained.
“If you do that, you don’t know what decision he is going to take. We did not want to waste time and lose out on other players we were looking at. It was either we acted quickly or there was nothing. The door is now closed and locked. We are done with signings, the coach has enough players.”
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