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Bidvest Wits have criticised agents and other PSL clubs, accusing them of using the media to poach their players.
Dismissing reports that they were demanding R10 million for the services of Bafana Bafana midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi, Wits CEO José Ferreira said the media was being fed lies by clubs and agents.
This after Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane said they were not prepared to pay that amount for a local player.
“In my opinion, there is no player in the PSL who is worth more than R10 million, not even my own players, not even Khama [Billiat]. We won’t pay that type of money. Who is worth R10 million?” asked Mosimane after the CAF Champions League game against Enyimba.
Reports alleged that Wits also wanted two Sundowns players – Cuthbert Malajila and Anthony Laffor – on top of the R10 million.
A fortnight ago, Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung said Wits turned down their approaches.
“It is an open secret that we have engaged Wits over Vilakazi, but we were turned down several times.
“They told us there was a club that had offered them R11 million plus a striker, and we don’t have that kind of money for one player. I told them that if I were in their shoes, I’d accept that offer,” said Motaung.
But Ferreira said the reports were malicious and farfetched, adding they had not discussed Vilakazi’s price tag.
“I don’t know how much he is worth and we have not agreed on any deal with anyone,” said Ferreira.
“We have had formal approaches locally and overseas, but we have not accepted any offers. Let them talk.”
Other Wits players who have been linked with a move away from the club include Ben Motshwari, Jabulani Shongwe, Thulani Hlatshwayo, S’fiso Hlanti and Phakamani Mahlambi.
Ferreira also accused the media of not verifying facts before writing stories.
“If it were up to the media, we would not have a team next season as all of our players will have been sold.
“I’m laughing on the sidelines because of all this drama that is unfolding in front of us. Sometimes I wonder if I am even involved in the decision making regarding my players. If I were to believe everything that has been said, then 90% of my starting XI would not be there next season. I am just watching from a distance.”
Ferreira also dismissed reports that the club had too much money to spend.
“If we are the team with the money, why is every club chasing our players? We should be doing the chasing. We are operating within a strict budget and we are nowhere near other clubs.”
“We bought a squad of free agents and academy players, and 95% of those were freely available.”
. Meanwhile, in-demand Bloemfontein Celtic midfielder Thapelo Morena wants out of the club.
The speedy winger has sent a letter to the club asking to be released.
This could pave the way for a move to Mamelodi Sundowns, who have been chasing his signature for some time.
Kaizer Chiefs are also interested in his services, but the Brazilians seem to be in pole position to land him.
“He did not know that we had been in talks with Sundowns before we received his letter. There are a few things that we want to iron out and we feel he should stay with us for one more season, but he has made up his mind,” said a club insider.
A Sundowns source said they were willing to offer strikers Bongi Ntuli and Fiston Abdoul Razak in a trade deal. Razak was lent to Celtic last season, while Ntuli was lent to Platinum Stars.
Celtic are also set to part ways with captain Bevan Fransman whose contract ended last month.
Phunya Sele Sele will this week announce former University of Pretoria midfielder Mpho Maruping and Cheslyn Jampies from Jomo Cosmos as their new players.
Polokwane City have snatched defender Walter Maponyane from Chippa United, and Rodney Ramagalela, who was on loan at Lamontville Golden Arrows.
