NFD beckons for high earner Sekola
Highlands wants to keep R100k star
Moeketsi Sekola’s salary of close to R100 000 will not be a problem for Highlands Park despite playing in the National First Division where grants are lower than in the Absa Premiership.
And the club is willing to address the striker’s concern about playing in the second tier of South African football.
Speaking to Sowetan, Highlands Park boss Brad Kaftel shed light on Sekola’s situation amid claims that he’s not comfortable with playing in the NFD and the club may not afford his salary.
Sekola signed a pre-contract with the “Lions of the North” in January while they were still in the Premiership, but they have been relegated.
He put pen to paper on a three-year deal.
“He has a signed contract and he’s our player. He will either play for us [in the NFD] or we will send him out on loan if any club comes up with the best possible deal,” Kaftel said.
“If Kaizer Chiefs, for example, want to offer us R10-million, we will consider it. But we’ve got no struggle at all paying his salary,” he stated.
Sekola will earn R88 000 monthly and he will receive a R300 000 signing-on fee, according to his agent Ratshibvumo Mulovhedzi of Rush Hour Sports Management.
Kaftel continued: “We have the money. Our financial position is strong and that is why we can keep most of our players. We have a very good sponsor in Hatfield VW, okay.”
As much as Highlands are willing to listen to offers for any of their players, Kaftel warned they won’t go for cheap.
“We intend to get promoted straight away. If someone comes with an offer of R1-million, R2-million or R3-million, they mustn’t bother,” he added.
Sekola, who was the 2014/15 Absa Premiership top scorer with 14 goals, was not available for comment, but Mulovhedzi said the player will prefer to remain in the Premiership.
“I’m negotiating with some [PSL] teams and we will see how it goes,” Mulovhedzi added.