Downs tracking Watenga?

Mamelodi Sundowns are believed to have earmarked Ismail Watenga as his countryman’s possible successor, in Denis Onyango.

After finally breaking into caretaker coach Siyabulela Gwambi’s Chippa United line-up, Watenga has impressed between the sticks. He has helped the Eastern Cape-based outfit reach their first ever cup final, in the club’s history, after keeping a clean sheet against Pretoria Callies in the Nedbank Cup semi-final last weekend.

Prior to the cup match, Watenga was in top form against Sundowns in the league, and despite conceding two goals, he was praised by Downs co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi for his impressive display.

When he first arrived in Mzansi last year, Watenga trained with the Brazilians, and was said to have impressed, although he ended up putting pen to paper with the Chilli Boys.

According to Siya sources in the know, Downs are still tracking the 25-year-old Ugandan and have earmarked him as a possible replacement for Onyango, who recently announced his retirement from international football.

As reported by the Siya crew, Reyaad Pieterse will be looking to make a move away from Sundowns at the end of the season, while Onyango and Kennedy Mweene are getting older and are unlikely to be at the Chloorkop outfit for too many more years.

Watenga could be one of the players signed to fill the gaps, adding to the likes of Ricardo Goss and Jody February. Watenga joined Chippa in December on a 19-month contract as confirmed by the club.