The bumper R12m deal that saw Tade join Sundowns

AmaZulu are thought to have cashed in big time with the sale of Emiliano Tade to Mamelodi Sundowns, with the full value of the deal believed to have been around the R12 million mark.

Tade, 30, made his Masandawana debut over the weekend in the CAF Champions League as Pitso Mosimane’s side beat ASEC Mimosas 3-1, completing a perfect first appearance with a good finish to round off the game shortly after coming on.

Sundowns will be hoping to see more goals from the former Auckland City man following a move from Durban, especially given the reported value of the move. Siya sources have indicated that the deal, which includes a cash sum and Bongi Ntuli’s permanent switch, is worth around R12 million.

The big-money move is one of the biggest in PSL history.

After initially saying that Tade wasn’t for sale, speaking after the completion of his move, the club’s General Manager, Lunga Sokhela, told the club’s official website, “It was always our intention to keep hold of Emiliano but we did not want to stand in the way of the player… Emiliano did well for the club since joining and we wish him all the best at Sundowns.

Meanwhile, he added, “We are delighted to land Bongi’s signature on a permanent basis. His work ethic speaks for itself, he understands the culture of the club and is well loved by the Usuthu fans.”

Tade’s switch is now thought to rank up alongside the likes of Phakamani Mahlambi and Sibusiso Vilakazi when it comes to the biggest deals South Africa has seen with regards to incoming signings, and the player has already gotten off on the right footing when it comes to justifying the price paid for his signature.