Sekhukhune United‘s chairman, Simon Malatji, has confirmed he rejected a European offer for promising 21-year-old defender Vuyo Letlapa, stating the player isn’t yet ready for a move abroad.
This decision comes despite Letlapa’s impressive debut season with Babina Noko and his personal conviction that he’s prepared for the next step in his career.
Letlapa, a left-back, joined Sekhukhune from Jomo Cosmos last season and quickly became a pivotal player for the team. He made 27 appearances across all competitions, contributing five assists and earning a call-up to the senior national team, Bafana Bafana.
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His standout performances reportedly caught the eye of several European clubs, including French Ligue 1 side Nice, who were rumored to be interested last season.
Malatji has now revealed that he specifically turned down a bid from Austrian Football Bundesliga club Austria Vienna for the talented defender.
While Letlapa expressed his readiness to embrace the challenge of European football in an interview with the Sowetan, Malatji believes the young defender needs more time to hone his skills in South Africa.
“I am ready. I think a move would be something that would change my life,” Letlapa told the Sowetan.
He drew parallels to his successful transition to the Premiership, stating, “When I arrived at Sekhukhune, a lot of people said I might not be ready for the Premiership, but I told myself that I was ready. So, if I got to go overseas, settling in is the most important thing. As long as I’d got the help that I need, I think I’d settle in well.”
That being said, Malatji holds a different view regarding the timing of such a significant move. “Yes, [an] offer came,” Malatji confirmed. “However, we realised that he still needs to remain, so that he can be better in terms of quality. He will leave [but not now.] It’ll always be our call that anyone who wants to grow must be given that opportunity.”