Brockie rules out A-League return

Jeremy Brockie could finish up his career in South Africa after knocking back offers from Asia and the Middle East to join Premier Soccer League leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in a deal worth a reported R12 million (NZ$1.33 million).

The contract is for an initial 21⁄ years with options for a further two.

The big money move from Super Sport United to crosstown rivals Sundowns is a decent upgrade for the 50-cap All Whites striker because they are regarded as one of South Africa’s most successful football clubs, having won the PSL a record seven times since the competition’s inception in 1996.

They currently lead the 2017-18 competition after 17 rounds and have qualified for the CAF Champions League.

‘‘There’s been talk about this move for a long time and now that it’s finally been completed I’m looking forward to wearing the yellow of Sundowns and start scoring goals for them,’’ the 30-year-old said.

‘‘Sundowns is a very ambitious club that wants to win every competition they play in. They are not only a big club here in South Africa but on the whole African continent.

‘‘There was some interest from Asia and the Middle East but in all honestly from the moment I’ve arrived in South Africa we’ve loved every minute of it and am very happy to be starting this new chapter here where I’ve had a lot of success so far.’’

Brockie said agents had approached him about a possible return to the A-League. However, he revealed that he could not see himself playing in the competition again.

‘‘That’s not disrespecting the league because I still keep in touch with a lot of players there and watch the highlights of every game but I’m really enjoying my football here,’’ he said.

‘‘I’ve said this before that the lifestyle my family and I have here is great and if that means playing here until I hang the boots up [then] I’m more than happy to do so.’’

Super Sport chief executive Stanley Matthews said it was not easy to lose a player of Brockie’s calibre.

‘‘Given that he has made a significant contribution to the club on and off the field our board have agreed to sanction his move to Mamelodi Sundowns and we wish him well in his future,’’ Matthews said.

‘‘We also understand that at his age this is Jeremy’s last big move and opportunity to secure his financial future.’’

Brockie scored 54 goals during his three seasons with Super Sport, falling three short of the club’s all-time scoring record.