Forget Mao, say club

Mamelodi Sundowns’ interest in Tanzanian star Himid Mao may be rebuffed as his club Azam FC are also aiming high and want to be a force in continental football. Phakaaathi understands that the Sundowns technical team were impressed by Mao when they played Azam last month while on training camp in Tanzania. “Azam are unlikely to release him. He is their captain and the star of the team. They want to be a powerhouse in Africa and the new management have put their money where their mouths are. They are also interested in some of the Sundowns players, and in fact they also tried to poach Pitso Mosimane late last year,” said a source. Phakaaathi understands that on failing to convince Mosimane to join them, Azam tried for Roger de Sa, but he also declined. Four on injured list at Downs

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has confirmed that his side will be without four of their senior players for up to possibly five games. Anele Ngcongca (above), who recently made his return from injury, has returned to the casualty room alongside Anthony Laffor, Khama Billiat and Denis Onyango. The Caf Playerof-the-Year picked up a knock in Sundowns 2-0 victory over league rivals Bidvest Wits at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. “Denis is out, he is on crutches, and the rest are also. We will not see them for the next four or five games. I don’t think so,” said a visibly distraught Mosimane. Ekstein doesn’t want to leave

A source close to Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Hendrick Ekstein (above) has informed Phakaaathi that the player is going through some difficult times with the lack of game time at the club and thinks his future with Amakhosi is coming to an end. The midfielder has not been even making matchday squad lately. “It is tough times for him and he is not taking it well. I had a talk with him a couple of days ago and he seems to think his future at the club might be coming to an end. He is really not taking this very well because he loves Chiefs very much, but again, he wants to play,” said the source. Zungu makes midfield his own

Bongani Zungu (above) continues to be a key member of Vitoria Guimares’ side in Portugal as they challenge for a Europa League spot next season. Zungu took a while to get going as he recovered from a serious injury, but has now cemented a spot in central midfield. Pedro Martins’ side won 1-0 at home to Moreirense on Friday evening and are fourth in the Primeira Liga. The teams that finish fourth and fifth in the league will qualify for the Europa League. Guimares do look a bit far off a Champions League spot, trailing third-placed Sporting Lisbon by eight points.