adminAaron Dube in Johannesburg, South Africa
PRETORIA University coach Steve Barker last week failed to sign Kudakwashe Mahachi on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns. The modest Premiership outfit’s coach approached city rivals last week with a view to taking the former Highlanders star to Pretoria University. He wanted Mahachi on a season’s loan, a move which would have probably helped the youngster adapt to professional football at a club with lesser pressure. The AmaTuks coach told Chronicle Sport:
“I was interested in the services of the Zimbabwean player. Sundowns gave me a list of players to be loaned out.
“Kuda’s name was there but unfortunately I can’t understand why I didn’t get him and why they stopped those negotiations as Kuda is still with the Brazilians.”
Barker rates Kuda highly.
“His qualities are just magnificent and I saw his creativity while he was playing for the Warriors in the Chan tournament in January.”
Sundowns’ spokesman Thulani Thuswa said: “We are not ready to part ways with the skilful player, we have a place in the team for Kuda.”
The AmaTuks coach is resigned to working with Warriors goalie Washington Arubi for now.
“At the moment we have started our training and Arubi looks sharp and confident,” he said.
Arubi joined AmaTuks two seasons ago and in his debut season he was voted the team’s best player of the season and helped his team finish in the Top eight.
Last season his team ended outside the Top eight and Barker wants to avoid that at all costs.
Barker has in the past worked with several Zimbabwean players who include former Caps United defensive midfielder Lionel M’tizwa, former Highlanders marksman Obadiah Tarumbwa and former Warriors defender Obert Moyo, David Mkandawire and Dominic Sithole.
Online Reporter