Chronicle Editor
Mukudzei Chingwere, in Gweru
FC Platinum have confirmed they rebuffed South African premiership side Ajax Cape Town’s $20 000 bid for midfield hardman Gerald Takwara saying it was too little.
Reports say the Platinum miners wanted more than $50 000 for the player who they risk to lose for free when his contract lapses in December.
“We are at an important stage of the season and it is better to have him in the team for the remainder of the season than to take the paltry amount offered by Ajax,” FC Platinum media liaison officer Chido Chizondo said yesterday.
“Ajax Cape Town tabled an offer which we rejected, what they offered was far from the price we value our player. We want to see our players joining better leagues and we will not block their moves but we will not undervalue our players to force moves.
“His mind is now here with us and the player is ready to help the club win the trophies.
“We will, however, offer him a new contract at the club and very soon we will start negotiating with him.We will, however, not force him to agree to extend his contract,” said Chizondo.
The 22-year-old who provided the important midfield solidity as the Warriors powered to an unprecedented fifth Cosafa Cup, impressed a couple of South African premiership sides prompting the Cape Town side to table an official offer after a short trial stint with coach Stanley Menzo’s men.
Informed sources said the miners were holding out for a fee in excess of $50 000 but in essence they were eager to hold onto the midfielder for the homestretch of the league race in which they will have to contend with competition from a resurgent Dynamos, former champions Chicken Inn and Tonderayi Ndiraya’s dark horses, Ngezi Platinum.
However, Mapeza told a news conference that Takwara will not be guaranteed of a starting place but will have to earn his place back in the team.
“He is back but he needs to work hard like anybody else. The guys who were playing in that position were doing well in his absence.”
Three points off log leaders Chicken Inn, the miners on Sunday travel to the Colliery for a date against relegation threatened Hwange and the former Tsholotsho midfielder who has long been touted as a future Warriors anchor, is available for selection.
Online Reporter