Soccer Laduma

Morena linked to Italy & Spain

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Thapelo Morena’s sensationa­l form for Mamelodi Sundowns since joining the Chloorkop-based club has opened the door for a potential move to one of the big leagues in Europe.

Morena has establishe­d himself as one of Pitso Mosimane’s most influentia­l players in the star-studded squad, putting shifts in as right-back, wing-back and as an attacker. Under Mosimane’s tactical eye, Morena has developed into one of the best, if not the best, utility players in Mzansi.

Now, as the highly rated 26-yearold approaches the final year of his Sundowns contract, there is talk that he could be heading abroad. According to a well-placed source, Morena could potentiall­y make a move to Italy or Spain, with indication­s that the player’s versatilit­y and pace is what is attractive to the clubs in the two leagues.

Morena joined Sundowns from

Bloemfonte­in Celtic in August 2016, where and in his almost four years at the club under the mentorship of Head Coach Mosimane, he’s lifted two Absa Premiershi­p titles, the Telkom Knockout trophy and the CAF Super Cup, while making 142 appearance­s so far in all competitio­ns; domestical­ly and in the CAF Champions League.

There is no doubt that Sundowns’ CAF Champions League involvemen­t, and success, has elevated the player’s profile even higher, with scouts from the major European leagues constantly looking to identify the next superstar from the African continent.

According to the informatio­n made available to the Siya crew, Morena will see his contract expire

n June 30, 2021, which means that he has got just under 17 months left to run n his existing deal.

This could open the door fo or the player to move on free next year, and it is something hat Sundowns will be well ware of. You can, however, x xpect Sundowns to come to o the table and tie Morena d down before that point in time, though with the opportunit­ies that could lie ahead, the player may opt to assess his possibilit­ies, both locally and abroad, before committing.

As it stands, the sources have indicated that there are possible options in both Spain and Italy, though to date no formal offer has been tabled, nor discussion­s have opened with Sundowns.

 ??  ?? Thapelo Morena
Thapelo Morena

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