Sundowns find marquee R36 million Zungu replacement
Sounds like a stylish player.
![Sundowns find marquee R36 million Zungu replacement](https://www.thesouthafrican.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Mamelodi-Sundowns-1-scaled-e1674639534828-1200x1000.jpg.optimal.jpg?#)
Mamelodi Sundowns are wasting no time. With Bongani Zungu gone, they’ve identified a potential replacement as Orlando Pirates mount their title challenge.
Mamelodi Sundowns won’t stand on their laurels
SoccerLaduma sources believe Sundowns made an initial offer of R25 million for 26-year-old Tanzanian playmaker Feisal Salum Abdallah. That offer was rejected, but the champions have returned with an improved bid. Azam is holding out for a figure closer to his R36 million release clause. The Brazilians want a replacement for Bongani Zungi or Gaston Sirino who have both left. Will they match the mentioned release clause to get their man?
“It’s an improved offer now. They are really after the player and that’s why they have increased the offer to about R32 million now. The negotiations have never stopped since they inquired about him but the only problem was the asking price from Azam which is R36 million as he has a release clause in his contract,” the source stated.
“Sundowns are looking at replacing Bongani (Zungu) and Gaston (Sirino) among other players who have left the team and the good thing about Feisal (Salum) is that he has been on Sundowns’ scouts’ radar for some time now and everyone at the team involved in recruitment is happy with him and they agree that they need him,” the second source added.
Defensive depth and a new striker
Not content with only one Brazilian superstar in the shape of Lucas Ribeiro, Sundowns have plundered the South American giants again to sign 22-year-old forward Arthur Sales. Meanwhile, the talented and much-coveted 23-year-old Kegan Johannes, a specialist right-back but more than comfortable in the centre of defence, has joined on a four-year contract, as per Lorenz_KO on X.
![Sundowns Kaizer Chiefs Pitso Mosimane zungu](https://www.thesouthafrican.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Sundowns-Pirates-1-2048x1546.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Are Orlando Pirates the real deal?
Aside from his hilarious dancing, new man, 23-year-old right winger Deivi Miguel Vieira, or Gilberto for short, has already given Pirates fans a glimpse into what he’s capable of on a football pitch. He scored in a 1-1 draw with Granada. Assistant coach Paz, as well as new playing recruits Gilberto, midfielder Selaelo Rasebotja, goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla, winger Mohau Nkota and playmaking number 10 Thuso Moleleki, are six very welcome new additions to a team hoping to make a serious title tilt next season.
![Orlando Pirates Jose Riveiro Nedbank Cup](https://www.thesouthafrican.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Orlando-Pirates-Jose-Riveiro-Nedbank-Cup.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Will Sundowns retain their PSL crown yet again or are Pirates a real contender to worry about?
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