Malajila for Sundowns?

Mamelodi Sundowns.

Malajila has seen his stock rise following a fine season with Maritzburg United that has ensured that the Team of Choice had a decent season and are safe from relegation.

Maritzburg are currently in 11th place ahead of the last round of fixtures for the 2012-13 season today and as they head for a tough assignment against former champions Orlando Pirates in Soweto, it could mark the end of Malajila’s brief stint with the Team of Choice.

It has emerged that ambitious Mamelodi Sundowns have lined up an audacious bid to lure Malajila to the Brazilians for the 2013-14 season.

Although neither Malajila’s management team nor Sundowns were keen to discuss player transfers at least until the season ends, The Herald can reveal that after today’s clash between Maritzburg United and Pirates, the 28-year-old striker will shift focus to a move to the Brazilians.

Malajila’s manager, Gibson Mahachi, insisted yesterday that he was not at liberty to discuss the striker’s future as he wanted him to “remain focused on his Maritzburg commitments’’.

“He is still contracted to Maritzburg United and he has a duty to deliver for the club. We will only discuss the issue of offers soon when the season is over,’’ said Mahachi.

Sundowns’ chief scout Trott Moloto, whose club has also been linked with a move for Khama Billiat’s signature, recently told The Herald that the Brazilians would only talk about who is staying and who is going out after they had finished with the current season.

But with Sundowns having reportedly managed to exercise their first option privilege to extend Mushekwi’s contract for another season with effect from July 1, it appears the Absa Premiership is set to watch the Zimbabwean internationals revive the striking partnership they struck while playing for the Warriors.

Also staying at Sundowns is their 30-year-old captain Teko Modise, Richard Henyekane, Katlego Mphela and veteran midfielder Esrom Nyandoro.

Sources yesterday indicated that despite Pirates and other Premiership clubs chasing Malajila’s signature, it is the Brazilians who have flexed their financial muscle and prized the Zimbabwean away from Maritzburg.

Sundowns were also impressed by the fact that Malajila has a lot of experience, having also previously seen duty with Chapungu and Highlanders back home as well as North African clubs Club Africain of Tunisia and Libyan side Al-Akdhar, albeit briefly.

The fact that Maritzburg United recently acknowledged that they cannot continue to hold onto Malajila for long and were prepared to listen to offers for the striker gave weight to indications that it is Sundowns who are heading the list of the chasing clubs.

“Talks have already begun between the two clubs and Maritzburg United are aware that the player’s stock has risen tremendously this season due to his fine performances so it has become very difficult to resist the offers coming their way and keep him and even match his demands,’’ the source said.