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DONE DEAL: Bloemfontein Celtic and Bafana Bafana defender Mulomowandau Mathoho. Photo: Charle Lombard/Gallo Images

 Downs couldn't sway star 

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The deal is signed, said an insider, but not yet sealed. It could be finally clinched early next week.

Celtic chief executive Khumbulani Konco said yesterday: "It's not a completely done deal because we are still discussing a few points. We have been sending each other a few love letters over the last 24 hours just to thrash out some issues that need to be sorted."

A source on the other side of negotiations was more optimistic about Chiefs getting the Bafana Bafana big man.

"As we speak, Mathoho is the property of Chiefs. The deal has been signed and sealed between the player and Chiefs."

The complication in the deal has been Sundowns' offer for the player. It is believed that Sundowns offered more than Chiefs, but that Mathoho prefers a move to Amakhosi where he would be certain of more playing time.

Insiders said Mathoho stood his ground against Celtic's management, who were tempted by the big Sundowns offer. Mathoho's argument was that many top players had gone to Sundowns for the money but ended up warming the bench.

Orlando Pirates had also been interested in Mathoho but pulled out of the race three weeks ago after their chairman Irvin Khoza believed that Celtic bosses were dragging their feet on the matter.

The Brazilians were so keen to sign Mathoho that they sent a delegation to the player's village near Thohoyandou to make their case. The delegation, said a source close to the negotiations, was turned away.

"The player has made it clear from day one that he is not interested in going to Sundowns. He was afraid that he might not play regularly despite earning a fat salary," the source told Sowetan. "Even his family supported him on the move to Chiefs."

Chiefs have already started making accommodation arrangements for Mathoho at Naturena. General manager Bobby Motaung had also hoped to sign Free State Stars striker Edward Manqele, but the player has joined Sundowns in a deal believed to be in the region of R8m.

Comments

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Sat May 18 20:50:45 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 22, 2012

Papage

Don't warry about the money, Chiefs will pay you, and playing for Chiefs could pave a way for you going to Europe, remember Lucas Radebe? you play just like him and soon you will be moving boy, boy and money won't be a problem. Good luck and congradulations
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Jun 22, 2012

ThirdEye

We need players like this one, who knows what good for them & stand firm to their decisions. All the best at Naturena.
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Jun 22, 2012

ModiseP

I well come your idea Mr Mathoho.Money can't buy your future.Your standard of perfomance goes up because you were regular in Celtics.The team of Chiefs calabre invest on you because they watch you regularly.Bafana Bafana gave you a chance.First step Celtics,second step Chiefs,third step Bafana Bafana and lastly oversee.To warm a bench in sundowns camp will destroy your career future.
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Jun 22, 2012

Morphius

BIG UP Tower for choosing your career over money. You and your family's move has already won you many fans at Naturena.
With your skills we will soon be shipping you off overseas.
CONGRATS AND WELCOME TO THE FAMILY
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Jun 22, 2012

Stumaeza

I'm glad you made the right choice unlike Manqele who's going to warm da bench da whole season...Mphela & Mushekwi pls tell Manqele that there's no room for him.


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Jun 22, 2012

Purity-Wa-Lekhosi

Welcome home Player, you won't regret your decision boy. You Partnering Gould, I reckon and complement as best central defender emzansi.

Can't wait for the season to start...
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Jun 22, 2012

Xozaness

Good choice made by Tower...your future is bright now!
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Jun 22, 2012

gwadlagwadla

Welcome to the family Mathoho. I admire your style of play. I promise you one thing you have your position waiting for you in our squad. I also cnt't wiat to see your combination with Morgan Gould in the central defence. Gaxa, Mathoho and Gould Thank you Bobby finally you are doing what you were hired to do. Manqele go and sit on the warm Sundowns bench and kiss your career good bye in the mean time.
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Jun 22, 2012

Kasiologist

Thats some dertemination Tower, not many would have resisted the chance of having your financial future secured while taking a risk on the career itself.

At the end of the day, you are an athlete and it is on the field of play where you get the most recognition and respect. Much respect to you Matoho.
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Jun 22, 2012

Man-of-the-match-10111

i belive Mathoho is very rational and unemotional person, he could have easly chosen sundowns for chiefs, considering the money offered by sundowns, but because he's a player and not a business person - he knows playing for chiefs comes with rewards of getting regular game time, building up yo confindence, signing for endorsements, playing for bafana nd going overseas. Money will come eventually and he'll be able to enjoy the money and the fame.
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