Top Bafana Bafana striking prospect Katlego Mphela has rejoined Supersport United after his ambitions to forge a career in France with Strasbourg took a nose dive.
Mphela played with a fair amount of success for Supersport last season while on a loan basis from the French club, but financial differences over a permanent transfer resulted in the player — who first hit the limelight with Jomo Cosmos — remaining in limbo for the past three months.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Gordon Igesund confirmed on Wednesday that the Premier Soccer League champions had also negotiated for Mphela’s services — ”but it seems he prefers to return to Supersport”.
”For whatever reason,” added Igesund, ”it seems he has made the decision not to join Sundowns — and we wish him good luck.
”Mphela has an established relationship with Supersport coach Pitso Mosimane, and this might have influenced him and his advisers in the direction they have taken.”
”Also,” said the Sundowns coach, ”after his experiences in France, he might be happier with a club where his selection will be secure — unlike Sundowns where the depth of talent means that players have to compete for their positions on an ongoing basis.”
Mphela also said that after re-establishing himself in the Premier Soccer League, he would like to return to Europe — and this may be another reason for going to Supersport instead of Sundowns. — Sapa