Trials for Mushekwi
MAMELODI Sundowns hitman Nyasha Mushekwi jetted off to Germany last night to attend trials with Nuremberg FC with a view to joining the Bundesliga side.
The Zimbabwean striker sat out yesterday's training as he prepared for a long journey to Europe, and he is likely to miss Downs' MTN8 semifinal match against Moroka Swallows at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
Denying reports that they were holding out on the transfer of the Zimbabwean, as well as that of young defender Siyanda Xulu, the Tshwane giants again insisted they were committed to releasing the pair, but for a "proper offer".
Nuremberg are said to be willing to better the R5-million offer put on the table by fellow Bundesliga side Greuther Furth.
Greuther Furth, who have just gained promotion to German premier league, have so far been reluctant to table a formal offer for Mushekwi, insisting he should first fly over to Germany for assessment.
Sundowns, who have once again come under fire for refusing to release players, have confirmed offers for Xulu from Russian side Rostov FC. But while the impression had been that they were denying the youngster a dream overseas move, they were expecting the Russian club to improve their offer.
"Both these players are not on transfer and are an integral part of the coach's plans," said Downs communications manager Kabelo Mosito. "Nyasha has been the club's leading goalscorer and among the leading goal-scorers in the PSL for the past two seasons. Added to this, our league championship has just started, and we are playing in the semifinals of the MTN8."
Downs coach Johan Neeskens said: "We have given him (Mushekwi) the opportunity to go on trials for three days in Germany. Personally, I don't like this, but if that is his desire then he can go over there and the German club can come with a decent offer. I want happy players. If the offer is not good, then he is going to stay here. We don't try to hold back the players. We have given them the chance."
Neeskens said he supported the club's stance on a better offer for Xulu.
"Xulu had the desire to go overseas and give it a try. I always say if the player has an opportunity - it doesn't matter who it is - then we should let him go. But there's always a price," said Neeskens.
"And if the club thinks he should be worth more money, then I can understand that. Sundowns always have to pay huge amounts for players, compared to other clubs. I don't think the price is right for the kind of quality he has. And we have told the player that if the club wants him, then they should be able to up the price."