What the Siya crew has been told…
The Siya crew broke the news on January 31, on transfer deadline day, that Kaizer Chiefs wanted Mduduzi Mdantsane. And Cape Town City were open to selling one of their star players, - at a price! At the time, the nippy attacker had just six months left to run on his current deal and Siya sources close to the club informed the crew that City would have accepted a cut-price fee for the 28-year old. The deal, however, fell through at the 11th hour.
According to well-placed sources, the move collapsed because the Soweto giants' hierarchy were split on the decision. An insider explained that one faction wanted the player for the remainder of the 2022/23 season, while the other faction vetoed it and indicated that they would reassess the situation at the end of the campaign.
"I can't say who, for obvious reasons, but what happened is that the deal was as good as done. But one of the decision-makers stopped the move and said that they would rather sign him at the end of the season.
"Mdu was on his way to them (Chiefs). His bags were practically packed. The other decision-maker had agreed and the deal was all done in principle, but like I said, the one (official) put a stop to it at the last second," explained the source.
An independent source has informed this publication that ambitious Sekhukhune United had also made a direct approach to City for the player's services, offering a transfer fee of around R3 million for the player. But that did not materialise either. Chiefs and Sekhukhune, according to well-placed sources, are still interested in the player, though City are set to exercise the option on the player's contract and as a consequence, either suitor will have to fork out a transfer fee for him if they are to sign him at the end of the season. This puts Tinkler under the spotlight.
For City to get their required price for the player, not only does the coach have to ensure that Mdantsane gets sufficient game-time, he also needs to ensure the player's performances improve and in doing so, increases his value with a possible sale at the end of the season in mind.
Should a sale not materialize for whatever reason, Siya sources have indicated that City would be open to initiating talks for a new deal for the player at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, though they also face a possible reality of losing him on a free next year.
What are the facts?
According to Cape Town City boss John Comitis, a deal between City and Amakhosi was agreed to in principle, only for the latter to change their minds at the last minute.
"There was an offer on the table from Chiefs, that we accepted, in principle and we were waiting for the confirmation and the paperwork. Literally on the day of the closing of the transfer window, unfortunately Chiefs said that they changed their minds, but we continue as usual, nothing changes," he told the Siya crew.
And while he confirmed the interest from Sekhukhune, the club boss indicated that no offer was tabled despite the sources indicating otherwise.
"The interest from Sekhukhune was something that was also just in the background, while the Chiefs interest was discussed and debated, they were interested in considering it. Nothing came through and there was no official offer from Sekhukhune. Comitis went on to indicate that the door is still open for a possible exit.
"Mdu is a top player, I'm not surprised that clubs want to have him. We want to have him, but if he wants to be here with us, he'll remain with us, but if there's an offer where he wants to be at, then we'll consider it. It's as simple as that.
"We had something. Unfortunately, hours before the close of the transfer window, it collapsed and we had agreed to the numbers – it wasn't even an issue on that. I don't know why they changed their minds, but you have to ask Kaizer Chiefs about that," he said.
Mdantsane initially joined the Citizens on a three-year contract from Baroka FC in 2020 and it included an option to extend for an additional year. In his three years with the club, Mdu, as the player is affectionately known, has established himself as one of the side's best players and officially became their all-time record goalscorer in April 2022 with 19 goals in all competitions, and still counting.
Mdantsane was the Cape outfit's standout player during the 2021/22 season. He made 32 appearances in all competitions, 28 of those as a starter. He finished as the club's top scorer with 10 goals and one assist. The current campaign has been a far cry from that, however.
Although he has featured prominently in the current campaign, with 24 appearances in all competitions, around half of them have been as a substitute. And he is yet to open his goalscoring account.
In context of the situation, coach Tinkler has a vital role to play in that he needs to field the player as often as possible to ensure that his stock continues to rise and that City are able to fetch the best possible price for the star as they look to sell him at the end of the season. City have already accepted the fact that Mdantsane could be lost to the club and they will want to manage the situation as best possible, to avoid losing him on a free and cashing in on a transfer fee instead.
The story behind the scenes
Chiefs' have two options
With Amakhosi desperately in search of silverware, they have experienced somewhat of a change of heart when it comes to bringing the best players on board.
A common thread for the club in recent years was to sign players as free agents. However, under the leadership of Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr, they have shown that they are willing to spend on the players they feel could suit their philosophy.
A Siya source close to the club has revealed that coach Arthur Zwane has taken a liking to Mdantsane, so it would be a signal of intent if Chiefs view the player as a priority signing and are willing to buy him outright and fend off competition for his services. However, if they do wait for January, it would suggest that the player is not a top target and that they are willing to wait it out with the aim of potentially securing him on a free. If the Glamour Boys opt for the latter option, they could agree to a pre-contract in January.
They have taken this approach in the past, most recently with Siyethemba Sithebe, whom they signed on a pre-contract from AmaZulu FC halfway through the 2021/22 season, and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe from SuperSport United just two months ago.
Sekhukhune watching closely
Sekhukhune have turned the corner under coach Brandon Truter, following a slow start to the season under Kaitano Tembo. In hopes of further strengthening their team, Babina Noko expressed an interest to rope in both Mdantsane and TS Galaxy's Bathusi Aubaas, although they failed in their attempt for both players.
The Aubaas deal fell through as the player suffered an injury, as previously reported by Soccer Laduma, while their interest in Mdantsane came to nothing. The Limpopo- based club, according to sources, are understood to have tabled a total of R6 million for both players – R3 million apiece.
Having put their money where their mouth is, quite literally, the Siya crew has been informed that Sekhukhune, led by the ambitious Malatji brothers (Jonas and Simon), are still keen on the player and will watch his situation with keen interest. The club has shown that they can mix it with the big boys. Last season, they managed to beat Chiefs in the race for Victor Letsoalo, who joined from Royal AM. More recently, they signed Kamohelo Mokotjo, who was linked with a move to the Naturena-based side. Given the early signs from Sekhukhune, you can expect them to match Chiefs all the way in the race for Mdantsane.
Mdu wants Chiefs?
With City set to exercise the option on his contract, they will have just over six months to sell the player or tie him down on a new deal… if not, they risk losing him on a free. And knowing that the player is keen on a move could play into their favour. As a Chiefs development product, Siya sources have indicated that Mdantsane's first preference is Amakhosi.
Indications are that a move to Sekhukhune did not materialize due to the player prioritizing the Soweto giants. In a recent interview with kickoff.com, Mdantsane admitted that he would be open to a move to Chiefs, although he respects the current contract he has with Cape Town City.
"Right now, I have a contract with Cape Town City, and I want to respect that. Kaizer Chiefs is a big team, and everyone would love to wear that jersey, but as I have said, right now my focus is where I'm contracted," he said.
In addition, Mdantsane turns 29 in December and will be looking to secure what could be the biggest paycheque of his professional career. If he is to move to one of the biggest clubs in the country, it will, in all likelihood, include a significant spike in his salary – which could play a vital role in how the situation plays out.
Secret Agent
The Siya crew spoke to a top agent in SA to get their expert understanding on what's going on. For obvious reasons, the agent will remain anonymous.
"I think Mdu has done all he can at Cape Town City. It will be good for him if the deal to Chiefs does materialize. It will be good for him to finish this season with City before taking the step to Chiefs and hopefully he can score some goals before then. With all due respect to Sekhukhune, they are not at a level where they can compete with Chiefs. Remember, he is not 18 or 20, he is in his late 20s and when a player is moving to a big club like Chiefs in his 20s, he must be ready. He has to be fully ready that when you get there, you have to hit the ground running. Chiefs is a big club and there is pressure when it comes to playing for that team, we have seen even the best players struggle when they get there. The good thing is that he has been in the PSL for some time now."
Watch This Space
Cape Town City hold all the cards for now, but their bargaining power will taper off as we creep closer to 2024. What is clear is that Chiefs and Sekhukhune are aware of Mdantsane's situation and could wait it out with the aim of securing him on a free. But you can expect City to pull out all the stops and avoid that scenario altogether. You can expect the Citizens to push for a deal before the end of the year. First prize will be to secure a transfer fee from a sale, alternatively a contract extension. And for a big-money sale to happen, the highly rated player must be playing regularly and performing at a high level. For this to happen, Tinkler will have to play his part!
Do you think Mdantsane will be a good fit at Chiefs? Let us know in the comments below!
