Stellenbosch CEO Rob Benadie says the DStv Premiership club are intent on keeping midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa amid a bid from Kaizer Chiefs.
The 28-year-old former Black Leopards player has been a target for Amakhosi throughout the current transfer window.
Amakhosi finally made an offer for Mthethwa, who has played 28 times for Stellies, including eight games in all competitions this season.
But Benadie is insistent on retaining the services of the player, who also drew interest from AmaZulu and Orlando Pirates.
The CEO told SABC Sport: “There has been a lot of uninformed speculation around the player in the press lately. Mthethwa is a highly valued SFC player that we want to retain.
“A few clubs have shown interest, including an offer from Chiefs, but as of today [Saturday], he remains firmly with us.”
Stellies most recently drew 0-0 with an in-form Golden Arrows.
Head coach Steve Barker added: “You know he is a good player, and we all know he has had a good time with us. When you have a good player and the window is still open, there will always be speculation.
“But right now, that is all it is. I’m just glad he is committed to us, and he put in a very good performance once again.”
Meanwhile, reliable sources known to KickOff indicate that the club have tabled a substantial R8 million offer to Stellenbosch, placing them ahead in the race to acquire this football sensation.
The 28-year-old Mthethwa’s exceptional performances this season have piqued the interest of both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. However, it’s the Glamour Boys who seem to be gaining the upper hand in this transfer saga.
This pursuit began earlier this season when Chiefs first expressed their desire to acquire the former Black Leopards midfielder. Regrettably for them, Stellenbosch rebuffed their initial offer.
Not to be outdone, the Mighty Buccaneers threw their hat into the ring after their MTN8 showdown with Stellenbosch, signalling their intent to bring Mthethwa on board.
Now, with the transfer window deadline looming large on Friday, Chiefs have escalated their efforts to secure the talents of this promising midfielder. A source close to the club stated, “Chiefs are going all out to sign Mthethwa. They are now ready to break the bank in a bid to sign the player before Friday.”
Chiefs’ sporting director, Kaizer Motaung Jr., is expected to embark on a journey to Cape Town this week, aiming to finalize the deal with Stellenbosch FC for Mthethwa’s services before the transfer window slams shut on 22 September.