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Mamelodi Sundowns are exploring the idea of using out-of-favour midfielder Lesedi Kapinga in player trade deals, SABC Sport has learnt.
As the club looks for potential transfer targets for next season, it’s understood Kapinga will be used as a deal sweetener where necessary.
The Brazilians signed the 28-year-old from Black Leopards in 2020 on a three-year contract with a further option to extend by another two seasons, effectively tying him down at Chloorkop until June 2025.
But he has hardly had game time, and the public broadcaster reported in January that Kapinga had asked to leave while the window was still open at the time, however, there was not enough time to find a viable move.
Now that the season is over and the registration period runs until August 31, there’s every chance Kapinga will be allowed to leave Sundowns to start afresh elsewhere and revive his career.
What is likely to happen before the end of June is that Downs will have to trigger the option on his contract to enable them to use him in any trade deal, and it’s believed there’s genuine interest in Kapinga from DStv Premiership rivals.
SABC Sport has it on good authority that Sundowns have had conversations with, among other clubs, SuperSport United and Cape Town City about the player in exchange for their key figures.
The reigning league champions are keen on luring teenage attacker Thapelo Maseko from SuperSport or striker Khanyisa Mayo from City, but the duo both have long-term contracts with their respective clubs and won’t come cheap.
Downs are willing to offer money-plus-Kapinga, who is not part of coach Rulani Mokwena’s plans moving forward, to try and get the deals over the line.
Kapinga will only be a free agent if Sundowns do not trigger the option by 30 June, which sources have insisted is unlikely, and should Downs fail in their plan to bargain with the player, he could be sent out on loan as the club are not yet willing to release him for free.
