JOHANNESBURG – Are Mamelodi Sundowns preparing to break the bank to trigger striker Jeremy Brockie’s release clause from cross-town rivals SuperSport United?
Well, it seems they are edging ever closer, if Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane’s recent remarks are anything to go by.
According to his club, Brockie is not for sale – but a R15 million release clause obviously suggests he will be allowed to go if the price is right.
Mosimane has confirmed that he is currently looking for a striker to replace unsettled attacker Khama Billiat, who is refusing to sign a new contract with the African champions and could leave as a free agent at the end of the season in May.
Brockie has been a target for Mosimane since he first joined SuperSport in January 2015 and scored seven goals in 13 appearances.
But all of his efforts so far to lure the striker away from the reigning Nedbank Cup champions have been unsuccessful.
“It is possible that Khama might leave because he doesn’t want to sign the contract,” Mosimane said. “We would like to get one striker upfront and prepare ourselves. You know the striker that I want. Hopefully I can get (him), but it is very difficult.
“This team creates lots of opportunities and there is only one man who can solve our problem. He’s a sniper (the nickname Mosimane has given Brockie) – one chance, one goal. It’s easy for him.”
Eric Tinkler insists that Jeremy Brockie won't leave SuperSport United. Photo: Samuel Shivambu, BackpagePix
The Sundowns coach hinted that Patrice Motsepe, the club owner and mining magnate, might provide the funds to trigger the release clause.
“Mark my words. I might announce in January that I have triggered a release clause,” Mosimane said.
SuperSport, however, are adamant that Brockie, who has scored 26 goals in 68 league matches for his only South African club to date, is not for sale.
“He is very crucial, but no more crucial than the rest of the squad,” said SuperSport coach Eric Tinkler on Monday night. “When given the supply, Brockie will get the job done because he is a natural goal-scorer, and I have informed him that he is going nowhere.
“At the end of the season, when he has scored 20 to 25 goals, we won’t stand in his way, but he will not be joining another SA team. He will be going to Europe.”
@superjourno