Mushekwi deal done

Nyasha Mushekwi completed his loan move from Mamelodi Sundowns to newly promoted Belgian side KV Oostende at the weekend, ending a tedious transfer saga between the two clubs.

And the transfer of Khama Billiat from Ajax Cape Town to the Brazilians was finally completed yesterday, with striker Eleazar Rodgers moving in the opposite direction.

"The [Mushekwi] deal has been sensationalised, with some even suggesting that Sundowns were denying the player the opportunity to further his playing career abroad," the club's website said.

Mushekwi was allowed to travel to Belgium for trials during the Brazilians' pre-season camp and has now signed a one-year loan deal at KV Oostende.

Sundowns maintain they never intended to stand in the player's way of getting a move abroad, but were simply holding out for a deal that would satisfy both clubs.

Mushekwi, who joined the Brazilians in 2010 from Zimbabwe's Caps United, also seemed desperate to avoid fighting for a place as the club's first-choice striker following the pre-season spending spree.

Ajax confirmed Billiat's move yesterday, announcing that he had at last agreed personal terms with the Brazilians.

Having initially agreed a transfer fee with Sundowns, Ajax called off the move on Thursday, but were always likely to keep the door open if Sundowns could reach an agreement with the Zimbabwean international.

So Sundowns are unlikely to be hurt by Mushekwi's departure, with Billiat, Cuthbert Malajila, Rodney Ramagalela, Katlego Mphela, Katlego Mashego and Richard Henyekane all eager to impress coach Pitso Mosimane.

Two days before confirming Mushekwi was to go on loan, Sundowns announced they had captured Zambia's rising star Mukuka Mulenga on a three-year deal.

The midfielder was voted player of the tournament at the Cosafa Cup after helping hosts Zambia to the title in July.

Mulenga, 20, was also named Zambia's footballer of the year for his outstanding display at Power Dynamos last season.

Sundowns looked good for their 3-1 drubbing of Bloemfontein Celtic in the opening match of the Absa Premiership on August 4.