Financial misfortune forces United’s hand
THE economic struggles as a result of Covid19 have forced SuperSport United to consider offers for two integral squad members, Aubrey Modiba and Bradley Grobler, ahead of next season to balance the books.
It is common knowledge that winger Modiba has been on Mamelodi Sundowns’ radar for the last few seasons having been a favourite of coach Pitso Mosimane. But SuperSport had dismissed Sundowns’ lucrative offers, insisting that Modiba was not up for the sale locally.
To back up their statement in February, Matsantsantsa a Pitori gave the 24-year-old a new four-year deal that would see him stay at the club at least until June 2024.
Well, that was pre-Covid. As the coronavirus pandemic brought the world to a standstill in recent months, bringing the economy to its knees, many businesses have been forced to go back on their word. And so have SuperSport.
Yesterday, club chief executive Stan Matthews said the Pretoria giants were willing to sell “Postman”, who’s been one of their standout players, for a bigger fee, citing the wing role as a position they are willing to gamble on at the moment as they have enough depth.
During the January transfer window, SuperSport signed DRC playmaker Guily Manziba, adding to the host of wingers including Modiba, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Evans Rusike and Gampani Lungu.
“When we narrow down to what kind of players we can sell, it will narrow down to Aubrey Modiba.
“He’s been the one who’s been linked with the most moves and Sundowns have been pursuing him the most,” Matthews said.
“He’s the one who has been with us for a good period of time since he arrived from Cape Town City. He’s given us good service and trophies. It would be sensible (to sell him) that already on the wing I have good depth.”
Matthews also confirmed that the club’s top goal scorer Grobler, who has 15 domestic goals this season, will be allowed to leave at the end of the season should the right offer come along, although negotiations to have him part of the coaching set-up at the end of his career have started.
“I’ve offered him a coaching spot at the end of his career. But... money is money now.
“If Bradley gets offered something big, I don’t think somebody at SuperSport will say, ‘we are expecting you to serve out’,” Matthews said of the striker linked with Orlando Pirates.