Focus on in-demand Brockie
SuperSport’s star striker centre of attention in rival clubs’ clash
ALL eyes will be on star striker Jeremy Brockie when his SuperSport United club host city rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in an eagerly awaited Tshwane Derby at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville tomorrow afternoon.
Brockie is at the centre of a transfer tug of war between United and keen admirers Sundowns‚ who have been flirting with the New Zealander since the transfer window opened a few weeks ago.
United have already rejected an initial bid reportedly worth more than R10 million but the Brazilians have not given up hope of signing the hit-man before the transfer deadline at the end of the month.
Brockie was initially reluctant to be drawn into the topic, but when pressed for comment yesterday, said the decision was up to the two clubs.
“It is not really me who will have to give in if Sundowns keep on pushing for a transfer‚ it is between SuperSport and Sundowns‚” he said.
“I have spoken to Stan Matthews [United’s chief executive] and he has made it pretty firm that they are not going to sell me because I am an important part of the club.
“I am an ambitious player‚ I like challenges and that is the reason I came to South Africa.
“To be honest‚ I can’t say too much more than that because I am under contract with SuperSport and it still has two years left.
“That’s where it stands at the moment. SuperSport are saying that they want to give me a new deal‚ so we will see how that develops.”
United coach Eric Tinkler reiterated the club’s determination to hang on to the player. “He is going nowhere‚” Tinkler said. “Jeremy is the type of player that when given the right supply and in the right areas‚ has the ability to score.”
It will be interesting how Brockie fares against his admirers when United face Sundowns in a derby that is easily the most attractive match of the weekend.
The premiership season gets under way when champions Bidvest Wits host Cape Town City, but all eyes should be on the Sundowns v SuperSport encounter.
Brockie said the furious speculation would not distract him tomorrow.
“The only thing for me is to remain professional and if something develops, you take it as it comes‚” he said.
“As long as I am wearing their [SuperSport] shirt, I will continue to work for them.”