Sipho Mthembu

Sipho Mthembu

Expect a mad rush to Chloorkop by Premier Soccer League clubs after the inclusion by Mamelodi Sundowns of a few top names in their transfer list.

Cameroonian Christian Moudouthe, whose announcement and the subsequent wait for his arrival befitted a potential megastar, is the most notable on the list.

Most notable because the midfield grafter deputised for Zimbabwean Esrom Nyandoro in some crucial games and did it with aplomb. He looked an ideal cover for Nyandoro who suffered some serious injuries last season.

Brazilian Fabio Costa is another import who is on his way out after failing to make any impact. Coach Gordon Igesund had waxed lyrical about the midfield left-footer but the only thing Brazilian about him on his debut was his nationality.

Nigerian Soga Sambo, who showed flashes of brilliance in his first few games, is also free to look for a new club. The list of locals includes three players who were loaned out last season and the bigger entry is burly hitman Sandile Ndlovu, who played at Maritzburg United.

Eric Rammile and Regan Noble, who had been with Bloemfontein Celtic, also came back to find there was no room for them at Chloorkop.

Completing the list are the Sundowns academy graduates Themba Maringa, Mfiki Mthimkhulu and Terrence Mabaso, who were introduced when the Tshwane team unveiled their Mission 2010 amid huge fanfare.

"Any team interested in any of the above players is free to approach Sundowns for an outright purchase or a loan agreement," the club's executive director Alex Shakoane said yesterday.

"We are left with around 21 players but we are not going to rush to the market. We will only do so under the coach's instructions."

Having 21 players rules out any chance of Sundowns honouring their Confederation Cup fixture against TP Mazembe (August 5) and fielding a weakened team at the Telkom Charity Cup a day before. After CAF refused to reschedule the fixture, Sundowns tried to twist the PSL's hand, but the organisation is unlikely to budge.