Mamelodi Sundowns FC faces Gomolemo Kekana contract crisis
Mamelodi Sundowns FC is facing a major crisis as young midfielder Gomolemo Kekana has rejected a new contract offer from the club. The 20-year-old's agent, Basia Michaels of QT Sports, has indicated that the financial terms of the offer do not reflect Kekana's value.
What happened?
Kekana's agent, Basia Michaels, has communicated to Sundowns that the proposed package does not adequately reflect what his client is worth at this point in his career. Michaels has indicated that unless the offer is improved, Kekana could walk away at the end of his current deal without a transfer fee.
Why it matters for Mamelodi Sundowns FC
The talks between the two parties have been ongoing, with negotiations going back and forth before the midfielder's representatives ultimately turned down the club's latest proposal. Sundowns had extended a long-term deal as part of their wider effort to lock up emerging talent at the club, but the financial terms proved to be the sticking point.
What comes next?
Michaels declined to speak publicly about the dispute when approached for comment, though SABC Sport reported that Kekana himself remains keen on staying at Chloorkop. The objection from his camp is focused specifically on the money on offer rather than any desire to leave.
Kekana has been a consistent performer for the Sundowns reserve side and was part of the South Africa U20 squad that participated in a recent continental tournament. His performances attracted attention from scouts at rival clubs, which appears to have strengthened his camp's position in the contract dispute.
At senior level, the midfielder has made three appearances across all competitions for Sundowns, one of which came in the current season. Sundowns have built a reputation for securing their best young players on extended contracts before interest from competing clubs can materialise. The Kekana situation suggests that reputation is under pressure, with the clock ticking on a deal that could yet see a talented prospect exit the club for free.
League standing: 7th in Betway Premiership, 4 pts, 1W-1D-0L from 2 games, recent form DW. Goals this season: 4 scored, 3 conceded (+1 goal difference). Title race: 3 points behind leaders Orlando Pirates.
