The Cape Winelands side and their opponents from Tanzania entered this last group game with their quarter-final hopes having already been extinguished. With nothing tangible left to fight for, the fixture effectively became a dead rubber. The chance to sign off in a respectable manner was all that remained at stake, but it turned out to be a disappointing evening for both teams.
Following an unexpected but amicable parting between the Sea Robbers and the Nigerian defender, speculation was rife on where the centre-back would head next. Now it appears that the 28-year-old will remain in South Africa's top flight despite rumours of options in North Africa.
The Maroons' veteran coach is finding the going difficult in the continental competition and has now presided over his side's elimination and it came in humiliating fashion. He now leads his men to fully focus on domestic duties.
The player reportedly lost his life on Sunday, throwing the football family into a sombre mood. The defender joined Stellies following the relegation of Cape Town Spurs. His club is, however, yet to comment on the tragic incident that is reported to have occurred in Cape Town.
PSL's top three clubs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, are naturally monitoring the talented player's situation, having raided the Winelands side for stars over the years. The highly rated forward will see his contract expire at the end of the season, and this means he is free to sign a pre-contract with a club of his choice from January 1.
The Maroons picked up a crucial point on the road against the Tanzanian outfit, with the match ending 1–1 as they continue to assert their recognisable presence on the continental stage. However, Stellies were left frustrated on Sunday after the draw — a result that coach Steve Barker believes could have been very different with fairer officiating.