The e story ry behind the scenes

Chiefs’ difficult decision

Chiefs will have to assess Mathoho’s situation at the halfway mark of the current season and decide if it is still viable for them to keep a player of his calibre on a big-money salary, while not playing regularly.

Furthermore, keeping a player that is frustrated could prove to be detrimental for a team that is aiming to regain their trophy-winning form.

Tower is the only first choice defender left from Chiefs’ last title-winning team, with Tsepo Masilela, Siboniso Gaxa and Tefu Mashamaite having all gone separate ways with the club since.

If Chiefs management decide that the player does not have a future with them, they could transfer him out or propose a swap deal, creating space on the wage bill for new arrivals, while cashing in on his transfer fee.

The towering defender has just over 18 months left to run on his deal and, while Chiefs are in the driving seat at the moment, the bargaining power will swing into the player’s advantage next year.

Ideal replacement for Arendse or Nascimento?

The 28-year-old former Bloemfontein Celtic player has been identified as a potential replacement for either Wayne Arendse (33) or Ricardo Nascimento (31), who have entered into the latter stages of their careers. Having initially showed interest in Mathoho in 2012, when the player was still with Celtic before being beaten to his signature by Chiefs, Downs are believed to be still keen on landing the player for coach Pitso Mosimane’s side.

Relook at a Chabalala swap?

Towards the end of last season, a swap deal between Mathoho and Orlando Pirates’ Justice Chabalala was being mooted, although it did not materialise at the time.

The Buccaneers have been admirers of Mathoho for some time, with the Soweto giants first linked with the player in 2012 while he was still with Celtic.

According to sources, Bucs are still keen on the player and would look at bringing him on board if the opportunity presented itself.

With Chabalala not featuring for the Buccaneers, it’s swap deal that could suit both clubs and the respective players.

Other PSL contenders…

At this stage, there has been no talk of a move elsewhere, though SuperSport United and Bloemfontein Celtic cannot be discounted.

SuperSport have a history of signing Chiefs players and are known to sign veterans who arrive with experience.

Celtic, on the other hand, are not in a good financial situation, though the player does still have ties with the club and could return to his former club.