Mamelodi Sundowns are reported to have secured the services of Highlands Park star striker Peter Shalulile and midfielder Mothobi Mvala.
With Highlands Park considering a bid for their PSL franchise the Lions of the North offloading their top talents may suggest the club could soon cease to exist.
The sky is the limit for Golden Boot winner
There are no signs of Mamelodi Sundowns going gentle into that good night, as Pitso Mosimane continues to build on what is already an impressive squad.
Sundowns didn’t reach the heights they would expect in front of goal this season despite winning the title. Shalulile shared the PSL’s Golden Boot this term, and if he can continue the same form aided by the Brazilians creative players, it could make Mosimane’s team nearly invincible.
Highlands Park Co-Director Brad Kaftel told Kickoff.com that he has signed off on the deal for Sundowns to acquire Shalulile and Mvala.
“Looks like we’ve sold Mvala and Shalulile to Sundowns hey,” Kaftel said.
“There’s a bit of talk [over] Mvala and Shalulile it looks like. I mean it’s not finalised, I haven’t got a signed contract so I can’t show it to you, but I have signed the contract.
“I’m waiting for them, but ja, it looks like they are signing them. Peter Shalulile is a Golden Boot winner and they are signing Mothobi Mvala.”
Shalulile had been linked with the Soweto Giants but Kaftel said they did not receive any offers from Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates.
“Chiefs, I believe they have that FIFA ban, so I don’t think they are allowed to sign any players or something. So, they are not in the equation,” he says.
“Pirates, I think they would be interested but they knew we were dealing with Sundowns.”
Shalulile has been with Highlands Park for five years since joining the club from Nambian club Tura Magic FC. He scored 16 goals in the PSL this season to go with three in the Nedbank Cup. The Nambia international made 85 appearances for Highlands Park scoring 29 goals and collecting eight assists during his time in Tembisa.
Mamelodi Sundowns look to Mvala to beef up midfield
The acquisition of Mvala suggests Mosimane is keen to add some steel to his midfield. Mvala gets booked more often than he scores, but he does a great job of helping out the backline and keeping attacking players honest.
Mvala holds the unfortunate distinction of having been sent off against Brazil at the Rio Olympics. He is yet to earn a Bafana Bafana cap but may feel the move to Sundowns will get him one step closer to a call-up.