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BLOEMFONTEIN Celtic have tightened their grip on their prized asset, Molomowanadou Mathoho, fending off overtures from all suitors.

 Celtic star seen training with Chiefs 

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As the plot thickens in the Mathoho transfer saga, which involves PSL powerhouses Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, Celtic are determined to get the best possible deal for the tall defender.

A few days ago, Chiefs were reported to have beaten Sundowns to the race for the 22-year-old star's signature and the two parties were expected to issue a joint statement on the matter on Monday.

Mathoho was yesterday spotted training with Chiefs.

But Celtic are adamant no deal has been agreed, due to what club chief executive Khumbulani Konco yesterday attributed to two "stumbling blocks".

"First, we cannot let Mathoho go without first finding a replacement for him and second, Chiefs are not the only team interested in our player," said Konco.

"Yes, we've given the player permission to talk to teams who are interested in him and who would like to sign him."

Asked what Mathoho was doing at the Chiefs' training session, Konco said: "As far as we know, he's not training with Chiefs. There is no such thing.

"We are not under pressure to do anything. We've got two years to negotiate a deal with any club. For us it is not about the money."

However, Mathoho's agent, Tim Sukazi, confirmed that his player was training with Chiefs.

"He is familiarising himself with the environment in anticipation of the successful conclusion of a deal between the two clubs.

"Like I said it before, Mathoho has made it clear to his team that he wants to go to Chiefs.

"And if ever he moves within the local market, he'll only be going to Chiefs and not anywhere else. Everything is in the capable hands of the Celtic management."

Chiefs general manager Bobby Motaung said he would not make any statement on team issues as he was attending to a personal matter.

To strengthen their bid, Sundowns are understood to be offering two players, youngsters Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Buhle Mkhwanazi, on top of cash in exchange for Mathoho's signature.

But the player, the only one who can free the logjam, is reportedly not keen on a move to Chloorkop.

• Kgotso Moleko has been confirmed as a Chiefs player after signing a three-year deal. - Additional reporting by Nick Said

Comments

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Sat May 25 01:41:15 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 27, 2012

tefson

Mathoho wants chiefs not Sundowns Klaar !!!!!! what part of that konco and motsepe don`t understand.
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Jun 27, 2012

Polotona

Hee wena bareng o Konco jzt leave the boy to go where ever his heart is,y u guys like to make players life miserable,Tower make it clear that he want to join Khosi,bcz he knows he'll get game time."For us its not about money"se foet man nxa....Leave the young man to go to Naturena.
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Jun 27, 2012

Mhungumbye

U can train with them but are still a Celtic player and Celtic will do whatever it takes to get the highest bidder for u. They put you on the map and they have to be compensated for heaven sake. The thing of I want play for this and that will only happen in amateur ranks not at professional level. Entlik you need an education a little bit about the T's & C's of the fixed term contract before you became another Sphelele Mthembu who also talked a children language of I want to play for chips.
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Jun 27, 2012

Westkanjalo

lol talk about counting your chickens before they egg, MATHOHO training with ZEBRAS... i hope the deal goes true 4 his sake, He wont win anything @ SUNCLOWNS untless TEKO goes & takes his curse with him, im sure he owes some nyanga cash no wonder he cant win trophies ... ZEBRAS are signing defenders left right and center nevamind the pun then NKOSI & NKATHA...i wonder what cup do they plan on DEFENDING...MACUFE ? i stand to be corrected ....UP DA D.T.C !!!
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Jun 27, 2012

Papage

Celtics are telling a lie, they want Sundowns millions, they dont care about the player, they just want to catch in big time. I wont be surprised if the player end up not playing football because of this nonsense. Clubs dont care about the Players, they only care about themselves, Let the player choice where he wants to go. I would never like unhappy player in my team, he will led in many goals and we supporters will start booing him and you will complain, Let Mathoho go to Chiefs, it is his choice.
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Jun 27, 2012

hulas

Voetsek Mathoho!
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Jun 27, 2012

dadaman1

I dont know what is so special about this DRC International Mathoho,I mean this issue is tiring now.

Wena Mathoho,you have a contract and your employees will have the final say on where you going just like Papi Zothwane at one stage wanted to play for Family Bond FC.At this stage is not about where you wana go it has to be a business decision,tell Poppy Motaung to see MASHONISA(for loan) and maybe the deal will be done.

If Poppy value you that much,why is he not paying more than the Sun-Chokers?,mxm
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Jun 27, 2012

Fanle

Ayi this Mathoho Saga is boring now..Yawning.......
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Jun 27, 2012

S.Player

Morning 2 th Khosi family!!!Mhungumbye u don't know what u talking about,ur hate 4 Chiefs is over clouding ur thinking or u don't know football then i'll understand...B4 Jali went 2 Pie-K*ku,he made it clear tht tht's th only team he wanted 2 go 2 & his wish was granted...Frabegas do u know what happened? most players abroad they chose their destinations,tht's th reason most become successfull.i undrestand tht football is bussiness,but can any of u tell me this.is it bussiness 4 th player or th team?we complain about South Africa not having players bla bla bla & th fact is teams r killing talent because of greedyness..nawe don't come here with ur tedency uzongikhinya....

@TariboWest
Chiefs just released players,why don't u go & check wich players they released b4 u come & talk cr*p...what about ur team?
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Jun 27, 2012

Mygirl

Celtic must just release this boy b4 he ends up being miserable, this is now hide n seek that they are playing hence they know well that they want sundowns to buy him, but y get the hopes high for the cows then..????? But ke makaye lapho efuna ukuya khona.
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