JDR Stars owner and coach, Nditsheni Nemasisi, insists star attacker Moeketsi Makhanya is not for sale, at least not until the end of the season.
Makhanya has been key in the Pretoria outfit’s blistering start to the GladAfrica Championship season, scoring four goals and providing five assists.
The 23-year-old who scored over 24 goals in the ABC Motsepe League last season to help the Hammer Boys earn promotion, has had a seamless transition to life in the second division of Mzansi football.
As a result, Makhanya has reportedly attracted interest from a number of PSL teams.
This prompted Nemasisi to tie the youngster down to a new long term contract to fend off admirers.
“We had to offer him a new deal before other clubs came for him,” said Nemasisi.
“And at least he was reasonable with his demands despite having quite a few options. We were happy to keep hold of him.
“It was important for us to keep him this season, it was also important for his career that he stays with us for at least another season.
“For us as a club, we had to have a strong base starting the league. For him as a player, he had to learn to play in a professional league with a coach who was going to be patient with him. It was a win-win situation.
“He is not a complete player just yet, he is coming. He is almost there. We had to keep him for his benefit and ours as well.
“We didn’t want to get into this league and then go back to the ABC Motsepe League, it’ quite difficult there.”
Nemasisi believes Makhanya will be key in their attempts to gain promotion to the PSL at the first attempt.
The Hammer Boys are second in the championship standings with 20 points from 11 matches – five points adrift of leaders Uthongathi.
“He (Makhanaya) is a humble boy who works hard. He knows how to score goals and is a true team player,” added Nemasisi.
“For me, I thought maybe the media coverage and the speculation about his future would unsettle him but it hasn’t. He is very grounded and has a great future ahead of him.
“He carries the hopes of JDR. His contribution has been big and a lot is expected of him.”
