High-flyer Pelembe cashing in at Downs

THE word from Mamelodi Sundowns is that red-hot midfielder Elias Pelembe has given the Brazilians an ultimatum to accept his R500000-a-month salary demands or risk losing him.

Sundowns' gave Pelembe a sugar-coated offer and the Mozambican international gave them his counter offer that could make history in the SA league. The figure could launch the Mozambican as the highest paid player in the PSL.

But Pelembe's business manager Tim Sukazi says the figure has been blown out of proportion.

"There is nothing like that and these rumours will only enrage Sundowns supporters. The alleged salary is way out of our market range. Our league is not yet at that salary level," Sukazi said.

"Sundowns have the exclusive rights to negotiate with the player until January (six months before his contract ends in June). There's still time before other clubs can join the fray," he added.

Pelembe has managed to maintain the form that made him an instant hit with local fans when he arrived at SuperSport United in the 2007/08 season.

Rumours that Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are after his signature are gathering momentum and his business managers could be using that as their bargaining tool.

It is reported that Pirates want him for their African Champions League campaign which begins in February.

Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza has made it clear that the Champions League is their focus this season. Pirates are the only Southern African club to have won this tournament, winning in 1995.

But Chiefs are apparently losing interest, especially with the price tag on the flying winger.

"Negotiations are still going on and it looks like both parties will reach an agreement soon. I think Chiefs might have been scared off by the reported R500000 and the players' other demands," said a Sundowns insider who preferred to remain anonymous.

The insider said that Sundowns president Patrice Motsepe made it clear that they have to keep Pelembe at the club come rain or shine. Heads are likely to roll should Pelembe join another PSL club.

It has also emerged that there are offers from undisclosed clubs in Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands for the Mozambique international. Sundowns' commercial manager Yugesh Singh was not available for comment.