Downs open to move…if Chippa pay
Following up on information provided to the Siya crew last week that Chippa United had enquired about Mamelodi Sundowns striker Gift Motupa, there are some developments on the player's future. The Chilli Boys are desperate to beef up their attacking line before the transfer window slams shut next week, on September 22, and one of their targets is out-of-favour forward Motupa.
Soccer Laduma has fresh news on this latest pursuit and it's that the Brazilians are more than happy to release the player to the Gqeberha outfit, but only if the side owned by businessman Siviwe 'Chippa' Mpengesi contribute to his salary.
"Yes, they have asked about him and Sundowns are open to the idea. But the parent club isn't willing to continue to pay the full salary because Chippa must take up a portion of it if they are serious about the player," said a source.
In the current economy, this could be a stumbling block given these would be the conditions of a loan deal for Motupa – unless the Chilli Boys find the money to fork out a transfer fee instead. The loan clauses would also come into effect given the Premier Soccer League only limits clubs to three players per registration period and up to five for the entire season, so Chippa will have to be smart.
Motupa training with M-Tigers?
With the transfer window nearing a close, Gift Motupa will be looking to finalise his future to ensure he does not spend the entire season on the sidelines. The Mamelodi Sundowns striker has been linked with a move away from the club for some time now and indications are that he could get a move, with Chippa United, as mentioned above, understood to be interested in his services.
The Siya crew understands that the former Baroka FC man has spent some time with M-Tigers, Downs' feeder team, who are campaigning in the ABC Motsepe League. Another player that trained with the side is Lyle Lakay, but he recently left the defending champions to join Tshwane rivals SuperSport United.
Indications are that the Brazilians technical team does not have the ex-Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits striker in their plans, so there is a high possibility that he will make a move before the close of the transfer window on September 22. Matsatsantsa United were previously interested in the player, but that has interest died down and the 28-yearold's camp will be working hard behind the scenes to make sure he is back on the pitch.
Motupa's career, for the most part, has been affected by injury and that has not helped in his attempts to make progress at Chloorkop, competing with some of the best in the league in Downs' frontline. Last season, he made seven appearances in all competitions, with chances of him getting an opportunity in this campaign even slimmer.
What's the best club for Motupa to further his progress? Share your views in the comments section below!
