JOHANNESBURG – Mamelodi Sundowns have finally signed New Zealand forward Jeremy Brockie from SuperSport United.
Matsatsantsa a Pitori confirmed the sale to Sundowns on their Twitter account but didn't reveal the amount which stood at just over R4-million at one point during the negotiations.
This ends what has been a long drawn-out saga that started in the last transfer window after Brockie handed a transfer request. Matsatsantsa refused to budge and told Sundowns to take a hike, arguing that they wouldn’t be bullied by Brockie nor the Brazilians into selling their top striker.
SuperSport told Brockie to help them win the Caf Condeferation Cup and the MTN8, and then they might consider selling him in January. The Kiwi scored in the final to help Matsatsantsa win the MTN8 but even finishing as the top goalscorer in the Confederation Cup wasn’t enough as the Tshwane side lost in the final to TP Mazembe.
Brockie has an opportunity to make up for that disappointment in the continent by helping Sundowns claim this year’s Caf Champions League.
His signing on Monday means that Sundowns can meet the Caf registration which closes on the same day.
This is a welcomed acquisition for coach Pitso Mosimane who had hinted that they will make two or three signings to strengthen their squad for the Champions League.
“In four weeks’ time we will be a better team with (Soumahoro) Bangaly, Aubrey Ngoma and others coming back from their injuries along with the other two acquisitions that are guaranteed,” Mosimane said on Saturday.
“They’re here already. We’ll be stronger. We are just a little bit shaky due to the injuries. Khama (Billiat) isn’t here, he has a problem with his patella. A different team, a much better and stronger team will come back soon to compete in the Caf Champions League (and the league).
But the team we currently have is good enough to win the league. It’s just that it’s not consistent. But who is consistent? Tell me one team that’s consistent, that can raise their hand and say that we are consistent and we are winning. Which one? None. We are all in the same whirlpool.”
The second acquisition is Siyabonga Zulu who joins Sundowns from Platinum Stars.