What the Siya crew has been told…

SuperSport United are now open to selling Teboho Mokoena and Sipho Mbule to the highest bidder locally, this according to reliable Siya sources in the know.

But “first prize is abroad”, another insider added.

The Tshwane-based outfit have been reluctant in the past to let their midfield duo join any of their PSL rivals despite numerous attempts from Mamelodi Sundowns to sign at least one of them, as well as Aubrey Modiba. Downs did eventually secure Modiba’s transfer, in October last year, but their pursuit of Mokoena and Mbule has not been as successful so far. Indications are that this may change. Siya sources have informed the crew that the two players are ready for a fresh start even if it means joining a local rival.

Sundowns have been joined by Chiefs in the race for the young stars’ signatures. Indications are that both Amakhosi and the Brazilians have enquired about the two players’ availability for next season.

Of course, this depends on Matsatsantsa, who are looking to get an even bigger transfer fee, if they hold out to see what happens after the Olympics with Mokoena and Mbule shoo-in for a place in coach David Notoane’s final 22-man squad.

SSU inserted international buy-out clauses in the duo’s respective contracts for this specific reason, when the players were handed new deals, which are approaching their expiry dates. According to the information made available to the Siya crew, Mbule will see his contract expire next year, while Mokoena’s runs until June of 2023.

The club does, however, have a two-year option on Mbule’s deal and sources have told the Siya crew that they intended on triggering it.

It guarantees that neither player will leave SSU for free before or even after the Olympics, though it is understood that Mokoena and Mbule would not entertain further extensions on their current contracts.

Matsatsantsa aren’t planning those talks either, with suggestions that they would be open to accepting a lucrative offer from Sundowns or Chiefs, if their bid matches the international clause, a figure which has not been disclosed.

Modiba also had an international clause, but with the Brazilians understood to have enticed SSU with a R12 million offer, the player was allowed to leave. He subsequently signed a lucrative deal at Chloorkop for the next five years.

What his former teammates have in their favour, though, is the fact that they have an Olympic tournament to showcase their talent and catch the eye of European scouts, some who are believed to have been tracking them for a while now.

The Siya crew reported previously that Mokoena was wanted by a German Bundesliga 2 side, two years ago, and there were several other clubs overseas that were also keen on his services, but only for SSU to tie him down to a new deal.

The Olympics will be a playground for him and Mbule, as both Sundowns and Chiefs watch closely…