Mamelodi Sundowns are playing their cards close to their chest regarding the whereabouts of Colombian striker Leonardo Castro.

But a club insider revealed yesterday that the player, who is unattached and has impressed coach Pitso Mosimane, is now awaiting a work permit.

Sundowns officials Yogesh Singh and Mike Ntombela were reluctant to comment yesterday, extending the veil of secrecy that has surrounded Castro's arrival in the country .

Singh is the legal guru, while Ntombela is the technical director. Castro offers back-up to Cuthbert Malajila and Fiston Abdul, the only other strikers at the club.

With Mame Niang being loaned out to AEL Limassol in Cyprus, the club then invited Castro to train with them.

According to a source, the player could be available as early as September 12 when the Brazilians face recently promoted Golden Arrows at Chatsworth Stadium.

"The player [Castro] has gone back to Colombia and hopes to return with a work permit in his hand. The deal was done last week and he should be registered soon.

"The club had other options in terms of looking to beef up up front, but settled for Castro as he impressed the coach," the insider explained.

The Premier Soccer League confirmed yesterday that Castro was yet to be registered as a Sundowns player.

His arrival at Chloorkop will take the number of unknown forwards with relatively high expectations to two, with Abdul still untested in the PSL despite scoring a goal on debut last month.

Sundowns spokesman Thulani Thuswa came to Singh and Ntombela's defence, saying there was no rush to confirm Castro as one of their new recruits.

"He's a free agent and we can sign him whenever we want," Thuswa remarked.