TS Galaxy president Tim Sukazi’s response, when asked about Kaizer Chiefs-bound Given Msimango, was quite telling.
Exactly a week ago, I bumped into TS Galaxy’s chairman Tim Sukazi in the Sandton Office Towers elevator lift.
Sukazi’s office sits on the 19th Floor of the Office Towers, right in the heart of Africa’s richest square mile – Sandton – just 10 floors above the FARPost newsroom.
This was the first time I was coming face-to-face with Sukazi after reporting on the issues of non-payment at his club in recent weeks.
TIM SUKAZI’S TELLING RESPONSE
Of course, I went to his office several times as I sought comment for that salary story. I also called him and texted an enquiry, but he never answered his phone or responded.
Now, here was the man in the cable-driven elevator, the only other person inside being my colleague Tokelo Mokhesi. Noticeably, he scanned us from head to toe.
“Chairman, how are you?” I asked, excited to finally have the opportunity to ask the questions I felt he had evaded.
But the topmost of the questions in my mind was whether he had sold Given Msimango to Kaizer Chiefs. Mazola Molefe of the SABC had reported on the story two days prior, painfully beating me to the scoop.
Here was my opportunity to hear it from the horse’s mouth. Not that I wasn’t sure about the deal, but I just wanted to hear it from the man himself.
His response was sharp-witted. The man is a lawyer, after all. “I’m doing okay, except for the bad stories you’ve been writing.”
I then clarified that I had sought his comments, even visiting his office several times to get his side of the story.
Anyway, my next question was a straightforward one. “Have you sold Given Msimango to Kaizer Chiefs?”
His answer was quite telling. “No, it’s just Chiefs people. I haven’t sold the boy, but I definitely will. He deserves it. He has served us very well.”
At that point, we parted company as he approached the tenant’s parking bays while we walked in the other direction.
BRAVELY CONFIRMED THE TALKS
Clearly, Msimango is set for that switch come the end of the season. I then listened to the TS Galaxy supremo speaking to Rise FM regarding the same issue.
This time, Sukazi bravely confirmed that they are in talks with Chiefs, even making reference to how Tottenham Hotspur still managed to thrive even after selling Gareth Bale to Real Madrid.
“Bayathandza [They love him in SiSwati]. And yes, and very much so [there are talks between TS Galaxy and Chiefs]. And again, I want us to know that the TS Galaxy project is in its teething phase,” he said.
The club is in its third season, having played two full seasons.
“So, we are also realistic about our business model of building and continuing this project.
“Part of the model, of course, would be to follow the likes of Tottenham Hotspur. You’d remember that there was a time when they had to sell their best player Gareth Bale to Real Madrid, and they reinvested in the project, and since then, they have become stronger and stronger.
“They have been contending for UEFA positions year in and year out, and that’s the model. There is no better model unless you are spoiled and have money stashed somewhere.”
With six games to go, Msimango will look to finish the season strong before starting life in Naturena. The 25-year-old defender joins them in what is thought to be a four-year deal.
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