Mokoena warns rivals off Cardoso and Sekola

Free State Stars boss Mike Mokoena has given a hands-off warning to fellow club owners, saying defender Daniel Cardoso and Moeketsi Sekola are not for sale.

Sekola is the Premier Soccer League's second highest goalscorer.

The duo, both aged 26, have been key men in Ea Lla Koto's fight for survival this season and even caught the eye of Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba.

Cardoso was included in the national team's international friendlies against Swaziland and Nigeria last month, but did not play, while Sekola has two Bafana caps.

"I know there are teams who have been talking to him, but I won't mention names," Mokoena said when asked if Cardoso would be staying in Bethlehem.

"We've not been formally approached, but I have no intention to let him go. My plan is to start talking to him now, while he still has a year left with us, and not waste any time. Our biggest fear is seeing good players leave for free."

Cardoso has managed 19 league games after being sidelined for three months with a shin injury at the start of the campaign.

"That is one of the reasons why we found ourselves in a relegation position. His absence was felt. If he goes it will have to be for an unbelievable offer and with a ready replacement available," Mokoena explained.

Sekola's contribution to the team has been there for everyone to see, with the forward scoring 12 goals in 27 PSL matches this season. In December, reports suggested Kaizer Chiefs were willing to swap Sekola for fringe players Siphelele Mthembu and Matthew Rusike.

Instead, Amakhosi settled for David Zulu from Chippa United.

"Fortunately, Moeketsi has a long-term contract," the Stars owner said. "I will not accept any offers for him. But actually, it is not about that. We were worried about our position in the league and we realise we need to hold on to our players going forward."