SIBONISO Gaxa could finally be lost to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Sundowns communications director Alex Shakoane told Sowetan that Gaxa was flying out to Belgium last night for trials with KAA Genk.
Shakoane said the decision to release Gaxa to try and make his dream European move a reality was the result of the two teams working together - minus the middleman.
He also said that the 26-year-old fullback would be gone for an unspecified time.
"We did not set any conditions whatsoever. They have as much time as they wish to satisfy themselves about his ability and whether they want him to join them.
"They spotted him during the 2010 World Cup and then initiated contact with us," Shakoane said.
This piece of news comes at a time when Downs have been widely pilloried in the media and accused of mounting a campaign to block the player's departure from Chloorkop.
The team apparently promised the player that they would not stand in the way of an overseas move if he agreed to stay with them until after the World Cup.
He stayed on at Downs, but then word came from Gaxa's agent, Glyn Binkin, that the Brazilians had reneged on their promise. The player was said to have boycotted pre-season training a few weeks ago in protest.
But yesterday, Shakoane pointed out that they were not as heartless as they have been portrayed.
"We took it on ourselves to negotiate this deal for him. We are happy to show that we always keep our promises. Despite us repeatedly telling people otherwise, incorrect things were written and said about us.
"All we wanted was a good offer for him and we would have been happy. Still, we will stay loyal and will facilitate good deals for all our players," Shakoane said.
Gaxa, who refused to comment, has played for the national Under-17, U-20 and U-23 squads and has 40 Bafana Bafana caps.
He was on his way to the OR Tambo International Airport last night when Sowetan tried to obtain a comment from him.
Gaxa on his way to Europe's Genk
SIBONISO Gaxa could finally be lost to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Sundowns communications director Alex Shakoane told Sowetan that Gaxa was flying out to Belgium last night for trials with KAA Genk.
Shakoane said the decision to release Gaxa to try and make his dream European move a reality was the result of the two teams working together - minus the middleman.
He also said that the 26-year-old fullback would be gone for an unspecified time.
"We did not set any conditions whatsoever. They have as much time as they wish to satisfy themselves about his ability and whether they want him to join them.
"They spotted him during the 2010 World Cup and then initiated contact with us," Shakoane said.
This piece of news comes at a time when Downs have been widely pilloried in the media and accused of mounting a campaign to block the player's departure from Chloorkop.
The team apparently promised the player that they would not stand in the way of an overseas move if he agreed to stay with them until after the World Cup.
He stayed on at Downs, but then word came from Gaxa's agent, Glyn Binkin, that the Brazilians had reneged on their promise. The player was said to have boycotted pre-season training a few weeks ago in protest.
But yesterday, Shakoane pointed out that they were not as heartless as they have been portrayed.
"We took it on ourselves to negotiate this deal for him. We are happy to show that we always keep our promises. Despite us repeatedly telling people otherwise, incorrect things were written and said about us.
"All we wanted was a good offer for him and we would have been happy. Still, we will stay loyal and will facilitate good deals for all our players," Shakoane said.
Gaxa, who refused to comment, has played for the national Under-17, U-20 and U-23 squads and has 40 Bafana Bafana caps.
He was on his way to the OR Tambo International Airport last night when Sowetan tried to obtain a comment from him.
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