ALTHOUGH he is determined to get Mamelodi Sundowns to meet his client's demands, agent Tim Sukazi yesterday surprisingly argued that it would have been "reckless" for the club to include Elias Pelembe in their CAF Champions League squad.

The playmaker has been left out of the Brazilian's 25-man team that coach Pitso Mosimane has pinned his hopes on to deliver continental glory. Sukazi has no qualms with the route taken by the club.

"To be honest, the talks have taken longer than the player, the club and myself anticipated. But we completely understand the decision taken by Sundowns not to include him in their Champions League squad. It would have been reckless on their part if they had done so," said Sukazi.

"We have put two and two together and can see that the coach needs players he knows he can count on when it's crunch time. You cannot afford to lose a single player in the Champions League, so it is best to go with those you know you can call on at any time. Of course, if he commits to the club they will be able to register him at a later stage."

Pelembe's contract with Sundowns expires in June, and when asked why negotiations were being drawn out, Sukazi suggested there was no conclusion in sight.

"I would say it is 50-50 - whether he stays or goes. However, the player has been with the club since 2009, and Pelembe [who is 31] is at a crucial stage in his career and cannot afford to dent his reputation by moving around."