Platinum Stars’ attackingmidfi elder Mogakolodi‘Tsotso’ Ngele has confirmed his commitment to hisclub after reports linked him witha move to Soweto giants OrlandoPirates. The player has distancedhimself from the rumors; however,he also revealed that he hasnot yet discussed certain issueswith his agent, Mike Makaab whois rumored to be in contact withPirates.In April this year, the 22 -year-old was signed by South Africa’spremier sports agency, ProsportInternational which is overseenby Makaab. The Zebras player’sthree year contract at Stars willexpire in 2015 and he has not yetmet his club to discuss a possiblecontract extension.
Ngele’s impressive debut seasonin the Premier Soccer League(PSL) earned him many admirersin the league and he is widelytipped to join one of South Africa’sbiggest clubs if a move overseasfails to materialize. He scored10 goals in the league, helping hisside to fi nish a point away fromPSL champions Kaizer Chiefs.“I am only concentrating onPlatinum Stars and I intend tohonor my contract. I have not hada chance to discuss anything withmy agent and I cannot commenton any transfer speculation. Myfocus is to be on top gear once theseason starts,” said Ngele.
He added that he hopes his sidewill continue its last season’sform, explaining that, “We havea strong squad here and we canmount another serious title challenge.Preseason training startedlast month and I was given permissionto join the squad latersince I had been on national teamcamp,” he continued.Stars are still looking for a replacementfor Cavin Johnsonwho has taken over at SupersportUnited. A change of coaches cansometimes be a threat to a player’sfi rst team chances but the club’spossible appointment of assistantcoach, Alan Freeze, will providecontinuity within the team sincehe already knows the players.
The departure of fellow midfielder Thuso Phala will surelygive Tsotso a more responsiblerole of being the side’s chief creator,a role he is relishing.Although Ngele is pledging hiscommitment to the Rustenburgclub, reports are circulating that twomen could hold the key to Tsotso’spossible move to the Buccaneers.The reports indicate that the playercould move to Roger De Sar’s sidewithin the next two years.The two key menMakaab has strong links withthe Soweto outfi t since his agencymanages four of the club’s players.He once coached the club in 1994and led them to a league title in theclub’s golden era and he is held inhighest regard by the club. He isexpected to orchestrate the moveif both clubs agree to negotiate theplayer’s transfer in the future.
Another key man in the dealcould be former Platinum Starsadministrator, Floyd Mbele. He returnedto Pirates after two years atDikwena and was the man behindNgele’s move to the PSL last year.Mbele was a frequent visitor duringPopa’s games in the 2011/12 season,he recommended the youngsterto the PSL club last year. Mbele’sfi rst move at the club could be toheadhunt the Dikwena talisman.