DURBAN – Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are battling to land the services of top SuperSport United marksman Jeremy Brockie.
It is an open secret that Sundowns are desperate to sign the striker and Brockie has been on their radar for quite some time now.
He even went as far as handing in a transfer request in the previous window as an indicator that he really wanted to play for Abafana Ba Style.
Sundowns recently lost Leonardo Castro, who will be plying his trade in Kaizer Chiefs colours this year. Masandawana are also set to lose Khama Billiat.
They have set their sights on Brockie and Ajax Cape Town striker Prince Nxumalo.
On the other hand, Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza did make mention of their desire to secure the services of a poacher.
Mike Makaab of Prosport International has confirmed that talks are ongoing between SuperSport, Sundowns and Pirates.
“Yes, there is interest from Sundowns and Pirates in Jeremy. The two teams have been in talks with SuperSport United for weeks now. Jeremy is still contracted to SuperSport United, and it is all up to SuperSport if they want to sell him or not,” Makaab explained.
Pirates have struggled for goals this season. They have only netted 11 times in 15 league matches.
Thamsanqa Gabuza is their top scorer with three goals. The Pirates strike-force include the likes of Gabuza, Ayanda Nkosi, Thabiso Kutumela and young Lyle Foster.
Brockie was in red-hot form in the Caf Confederation Cup. He won the top goal-scorer award after coming up with 10 goals.
He has been one of the most consistent strikers in the league for the past 18 months. His influence has seen him assisting SuperSport in delivering two Nedbank Cup crowns and the MTN8 in their trophy cabinet.
Makaab also confirmed that there is interest in Brockie from overseas teams.
“There’s interest in China and Middle East in Jeremy, but his buy-out clause is applicable in June. It is going to be difficult for him to leave and go overseas now. He can only move locally. He doesn’t have a buy-out clause for local teams,” Makaab said.
Pirates have already strengthened their defence with the services of Diamond Thopola and Phetso Maphanga, who were on the books of Chippa United.
@Minenhlecr7