TS Galaxy interim coach Esau Mtsweni has opened up about Seluleko Mahlambi’s Kaizer Chiefs transfer speculation, explaining how the club is keeping the highly-rated winger focused on his responsibilities on the pitch.
Mtsweni addressed Amakhosi’s interest in Mahlambi after TS Galaxy suffered a 3-0 defeat to Chiefs in the Carling Knockout Cup Last 16 at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Rockets were knocked out of the competition courtesy of a second-half hat-trick from 22-year-old Chiefs attacker Wandile Duba, which booked Amakhosi’s spot in the quarter-finals.
After the defeat, Galaxy’s interim coach broke his silence on the youngster’s publicised transfer links to Naturena. Mahlambi attracted strong interest from Chiefs following an eye-catching breakout season in the Betway Premiership.
The talented winger was promoted from the Mpumalanga-based side’s DStv Diski Challenge team at the start of last season. In his maiden campaign, he delivered an impressive output of six goals and six assists across 36 appearances in all competitions.
‘MAHLAMBI WANTS TO STAY WITH GALAXY’- MTSWENI
“As far as I know, with Mahlambi, he’s okay. He’s focused, and he wants to be here,” Mtsweni said, replying to a question from FARPost.
“He’s always giving his best; as for offers and stuff, I wouldn’t know much, but as far as I know, with Mahlambi, the mind is here. I spoke to him; he said he wants to be here until…, and whatever happens will happen.
“But here’s a very good player; it’s just that maybe today [Tuesday] he didn’t give us much, just like everyone else. I don’t think it could be about what was said on the radio.”
A few weeks ago, Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi revealed on Metro FM that Chiefs had submitted a R4 million offer for Mahlambi. However, the deal collapsed after the Rockets boss insisted the player was valued closer to R10 million.
It remains to be seen whether Chiefs will return with an improved bid for Mahlambi when the January 2027 transfer window opens.
Meanwhile, the right-footed winger has endured a difficult start to the current campaign as Galaxy struggle to find consistency. Mahlambi has featured in seven matches so far this season but has yet to register a goal or an assist.
TS Galaxy currently sit 13th in the Betway Premiership standings with just six points, having recorded one win, three draws, and four defeats from their opening eight matches.
RELATED STORY: Seluleko Mahlambi expresses desire to avoid Phakamani’s mistakes
