Wits CEO meets Patrice Motsepe over Vilakazi but the player stays put

18 July 2016 - 18:18 By Nick Said

BidVest Wits have denied that a deal to sell attacking midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi to Mamelodi Sundowns has been concluded. Speculation on Monday stated that the sale was complete‚ and that Zimbabwe striker Cuthbert Malajila and Botswana international midfielder Mogakolodi Ngele will move in the opposite direction.But Wits CEO Jose Ferreira has told Times Media Digital (TMG) that nothing has changed in terms of the status of Vilakazi.The Bafana Bafana star has been embroiled in a long-running transfer saga that has seen all of the so-called ‘Big Three’ in Gauteng‚ Sundowns‚ Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates‚ express an interest. But while Chiefs balked at the reported R10-million asking price placed on the player’s head by Wits‚ Sundowns have been the keenest to come to a compromise and their inflated squad means they have players to offer in return to sweeten the deal.TMG can reveal that Ferreira has met with Patrice Motsepe‚ the billionaire owner of Sundowns‚ over a possible move for Vilakazi.But their clandestine get together was some 10 days ago‚ signalling that negotiations are stuck in limbo. The 26-year-old Vilakazi is a key figure in Wits coach Gavin Hunt’s arsenal‚ even if he did endure injury and a dip in form last season that saw him spend a spell out of the team.He had hoped for a move to Europe in the last few seasons but aside from an offer from Danish side Brondby that was rejected‚ that door has remained closed.Vilakazi was named PSL Player and Players’ Player of the Season in the 2013/14 campaign and has since entrenched himself in the national side under coach Shakes Mashaba. - TMG Digital..

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