A BIG mystery surrounds the future of Brighton Mhlongo after conflicting reports emerged yesterday regarding the player’s destination for the 2017-18 PSL season.
Chippa United chairman Siviwe Mpengesi is reported to have prematurely announced that the Chilli Boys had signed Mhlongo, which the player’s business manager Mike Makaab has refuted.
Makaab told SunSport yesterday that to his knowledge nothing had changed and Mhlongo was still an Orlando Pirates player. “I would like to state categorically that Brighton, as of last night (Sunday 16 July), had not signed any contract with any club,” Makaab declared, putting out the fire started by Mpengesi.
“No one has engaged me or Brighton regarding contracts. It is just unbelievable that this has spread so fast. I doubt Brighton would do something like that – sign a contract without letting me know. And how can I believe there is any deal if the player has not been engaged?”
This is not the first time Mpengesi has jumped the gun on signings, after he declared that Puleng Tlolane had joined them, only for the player to deny the news via SunSport.
There was also the Menzi Masuku rumour – which ultimately proved true, with the player making a smooth move to the Eastern Cape.
But Makaab is not ruling out the possibility of Mhlongo moving: “It became obvious when Pirates signed Wayne Sandilands that he would take Brighton’s place. That means Brighton will no longer be their No 1. And a club is entitled to make its own decisions. In this case Pirates made the decision. It is their job to do so.
“My relationship with Orlando Pirates is very strong. My relationship with Chippa United is very strong. In fact, Pro-Sport has very strong relationships with all the PSL chairmen and their clubs. These relationships are very important to me.”
Although certain clubs tended to ignore agents, Makaab said, “the deal has to involve the player”.
He emphasised: “And in this case, the player (Brighton) has not been engaged by any club.
“Pro-Sport has been representing players for over two decades now and we know how to conclude deals.”
SunSport understands that Mhlongo has always been on Chippa’s wanted list and Mpengesi is talking to Pirates. Pirates, who launched their 2017-18 jersey yesterday, were unable to comment on the matter.
- Meanwhile, Makaab confirmed that 24-year-old Thembela Sikhakhane has joined AmaZulu, while Mthokozisi Dube is back with Pirates after a loan spell at Bloemfontein Celtic. “Most of our players are settled with their respective clubs, and nothing makes us happier than seeing our players feel at home,” Makaab said.
- Andile Jali has signed a new contract with Belgian Pro League’s KV Oostende, according to Makaab. This is contrary to reports that the 27-year-old midfielder from Matatiele was feeling unsettled in Belgium. Some PSL teams, including Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, were very interested in obtaining his services.
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