Masilela keeps us guessing

THE presence of Bafana Bafana left back Tsepo Masilela in the country has lent credence to speculation that he could be the fourth big-name overseas-based player likely to join one of the PSL big guns.

The Maccabi Haifa defender sent the rumour mill into overdrive when he turned out for a training session with Moroka Swallows this week.

Just like the return of striker Benni McCarthy from abroad, Masilela has kept the football fraternity guessing as to which team he will hook up with.

The straight-talking McCarthy set up training with Ajax Cape Town shortly after his arrival from overseas, but later signed a contract with Orlando Pirates.

Masilela's agent Mike Makaab moved in like greased lightning to dispel the rumours when he said: "Yes, Masilela is training with Swallows and he is extremely grateful to the Birds.

"There are three European clubs that have shown interest in him. But if it does not happen abroad, we will engage his club Maccabi Haifa with the aim of getting him a contract with a PSL team."

A senior Birds official said: "There was interest in the player after he had requested to train with us this week. But he refused to travel with us to Bloemfontein for the Mangaung Cup last week."

Apart from Masilela and McCarthy, other PSL players who have returned from abroad are Nasief Morris, who is with SuperSport United, and Bernard Parker, who was snapped up by Kaizer Chiefs.

There are indications that the defender could be heading to Naturena, but this has been denied by Chiefs manager Bobby Motaung.

• Moroka Swallows defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele made a surprise move this week when he joined Mamelodi Sundowns in a swap deal involving Luvhengo Mungomeni.

Swallows boss Leon Prins confirmed that Mphahlele has been released to Downs. Prins also confirmed the arrival of Mungomeni at the aviary.