Newly signed Sekhukhune United striker Sphiwe Mahlangu has rejected a move to Sudan. The 30-year-old, who recently joined Babina Noko from TS Galaxy, declined an opportunity to transfer to North Africa.
At Sekhukhune United, Mahlangu faces stiff competition, with Bradley Grobler leading the line and Chibuike Ohizu also ahead of him in the pecking order. As a result, there were plans to loan him out.
Sudanese giants Al Merreikh reportedly showed interest in a season-long loan deal. The club will compete in the CAF Champions League.
However, Mahlangu turned down the offer, citing concerns over political instability and other factors.
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED HEAD COACH ERIC TINKLER WAS WILLING TO SANCTION SPHIWE MAHLANGU’S MOVE
According to sources, Eric Tinkler, the head coach of Sekhukhune, was willing to sanction the move, believing it would benefit the player. The veteran forward will have to fight for his place in the team.
He made 110 appearances during his stint with The Rockets, scoring 15 goals and providing nine assists. His best season was in the 2023/24 campaign as he netted eight goals in the league. The situation at his new club now requires him to compete for a starting spot or wait patiently for his chance.
In the three games the club has played, Mahlangu has not even made the bench, indicating how far he is from securing a regular spot in the team. In those games, another new signing, Grobler, has already scored three goals, including a brace in the MTN8 quarter-finals against Mahlangu’s former team, TS Galaxy.
Sekhukhune will take on Stellenbosch FC in the two-legged MTN8 semi-finals this Saturday at the Danie Craven Stadium, with kickoff set for 18:00. The return leg will be staged at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane the following Saturday, 23 August.
It is unlikely that Mahlangu will play any part in any of those fixtures.
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