Bafana Bafana, Phakamani Mahlambi & Keagan DollyBackpagepix

Agent: No Sundowns offer for Al Ahly attacker Phakamani Mahlambi

Speculation is rife that Mamelodi Sundowns are looking to Al Ahly winger Phakamani Mahlambi on loan as they look to fill the gap set to be left by Percy Tau.

The Johannesburg-born attacker is currently contracted to the Egyptian Premier League giants, but he could reportedly be loaned out as the club has four foreigners on their books.

Al Ahly signed Malian defender Salif Coulibaly on Monday and that has raised speculation that the man also known as ‘Mshini’ could head back to the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL).

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However, his agent Glyn Binkin of the Players Club, admitted that while his client has been linked with a number of clubs, there are no offers at the present moment.

Talks surrounding a potential return to South Africa has gained momentum in recent weeks, but Binkin said the fact that Al Ahly have signed Coulibaly does not mean that the Bafana Bafana winger will be shipped out.

Moreover, he praised Brazilians’ coach Pitso Mosimane, but insisted there is no offer from the the reigning PSL champions.

Al Ahly recently unveiled a new coach in Patrice Carteron, who was linked with a possible move to Kaizer Chiefs, and Binkin said the new coach wants to have a look at all the players before making up his mind.

On the other hand, the reigning PSL champions could be crippled upfront as they recently lost Khama Billiat to Amakhosi and Tau could leave for Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League.

Mahlambi has reportedly been identified as a direct replacement for Tau, who is at the centre of a staggering R50 million bid from the Premier League side.

President Patrice Motsepe has ordered the Masandawana management to finalise the deal as soon as possible.

Although it has previously been reported that Sundowns had already begun negotiations with the 20-year-old star, Binkin told Goal on Tuesday that there are no offers or talks as yet.

“He has been linked with a move to many clubs at the moment, and there is nothing so far on the table in terms of offers,” Binkin told Goal.

“We are waiting for the club (Ahly) to decide because they've just announced a new coach and he will want to look at the players. We will have to see and take it from there,” he added.

“Yeah, they signed a Malian international player and that doesn’t necessarily mean they will loan or release Mahlambi. Yes, they have four foreigners now… they were also looking to release a Moroccan player, but we will wait and see what the club decides,” explained the agent.

“We need game time for him and we will wait at this moment. Yes, Sundowns are a good side, they have a top coach, but he [Mahlambi] is cup tied and cannot play in the Caf champions League. So, he won’t play in the Caf tournament but they are a good team,” continued Binkin.

“We will have to see what Ahly’s options are and maybe Sundowns will interest Ahly and Mahlambi... we will see," he concluded.

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