SA UNDER-23 and Bloemfontein Celtic’s star winger, Thapelo Morena, could be joining Mamelodi Sundowns on a lengthy contract when he returns from Japan.
The 22-year-old Randfontein-born Morena is currently in Asia with Young Bafana, who play against their Japanese counterparts in a friendly in the early hours of this morning.
Owen Da Gama and his charges are gearing up for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil and are also scheduled to play a friendly against Mexico next month.
SunSport has reliably learnt that the SA Football Association has agreed to a proposal by the Mexicans to engage the SA U-23s in a friendly to gear up for the Olympics set for Rio de Janeiro from 3-20 August.
Phunya Sele Sele chief executive Khumbulani Konco confirmed yesterday that Sundowns had made an official bid for Morena and that talks were currently underway.
“Sundowns are the ones who have officially spoken to us,” he said, dismissing similar claims about Kaizer Chiefs.
Morena had been strongly linked to Chiefs even before the end of the 2015-16 PSL season after he impressed with his lightning quick moves and accuracy on goal.
It was previously reported that Chiefs had put up an offer of R8 million for Morena, but nothing has materialised.
A SunSport source has indicated that Downs coach Pitso Mosimane is “very much” interested in the player and that he will tie him down before the end of this week.
It is also expected that Celtic will announce their plans for next season this week.
