Sekhukhune United stand firm on Letlapa as European and local offers fall short
14th July 2025
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Sekhukhune United Chairman Simon Malatji has clarified why the club is not going ahead with Vuyo Letlapa’s move to Austria in this current window.
Letlapa, who has just finished his first season in top-flight football, has been the subject of serious interest from Austrian Bundesliga club Austria Wien, with SABC Sport understanding that they had submitted an offer just below 300,000 euros, which is below the valuation of the player by Babina Noko.
Malatji says the timing is not right for Letlapa to move.
"Yes, offers came fourth, however, we realised that he still needs to remain, either next season or now so that he can be a better quality and it's always our call so that anyone who wants to grow must be given opportunity,” Malatji said.
“So, that tomorrow, we know, he himself as well when he starts, perhaps we can identify talent and we ensure that everybody, we blacks can grow."
The Austrian clubs have been monitoring Letlapa throughout the season, and also followed him closely during the COSAFA Cup in Bloemfontein.
Before signing Nkanyiso Shinga and Paseka Mako, Chiefs had also attempted to acquire Letlapa, with their offer not far off from the Australians' offer.
The former Jomo Cosmos player is welcoming the interest in his services, but also focusing on the job at hand.
"When it comes to interest and offers, it can be locally or overseas, it is a thing that you can say [ntwana] push because you see that there are teams that are looking for you. So, you don't have to disappoint them, you just need to keep working hard and whatever that they saw, they still need to see it because you mustn't grow an ego because you are wanted by other teams. It helps me keep my performance," Letlapa said.
Already armed with five international caps under his name, after playing for Bafana Bafana in the recent COSAFA Cup, Letlapa is part of the core group of 50 players, coach Hugo Broos is keeping as part of his pool of talent ahead of the 2025 AFCON tournament and the ongoing FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Making a move to a progressive league like the Austrian Bundesliga and being monitored by scouts from other top leagues in Europe, adds to the boy from Bushbuckridge’s confidence.
