MARITZBURG United striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane is not for sale….for now!
These are the words of United chairman Farook Kadodia after his star was linked with the money spending and 10-times DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
There have been rumours the 21-year-old is set to sign with the Tshwane-based side during the January transfer window period which is due to open next week.
But Kadodia yesterday told SunSport that they need Hlongwane when the league resumes in February as they are not safe from relegation.
Hlongwane’s form this season have been impressive and it resulted in Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos calling him up for the national team.
So far Hlongwane have made six Bafana appearances and scored against Uganda and Ghana.
“We don’t think now is the right time to sell the player as we are not in a good position,” said Kadodia. “We heard about Sundowns that they after Hlongwane but we need all our best players next year. Maybe at the end of the season, we will sell. But now our fans can be assured that Hlongwane will be with us.”
Asked if Downs have made contact with him about Hlongwane, Kadodia said: “They (Downs) have not spoken with us. But we are not selling even if they can contact us.”
The Team of Choice, have been struggling this season and are currently 13th on the log with 15 points from 18 league matches. They are only three points ahead of bottom side TS Galaxy.
There have also been reports their head coach Ernst Middendorp could be fired before the league resumes. United have gone nine straight league matches without a win.
The last time the German-born mentor’s charges won a league match was in October beating Galaxy 1-0 at the Harry Gwala Stadium.
