Sundowns face contract dilemma as Gomolemo Kekana rejects new deal

The 20-year-old’s agent, Basia Michaels of QT Sports, is understood to have informed Sundowns that the offer needs to be improved or the player could leave on a free transfer when his current deal expires.

Kekana was part of South Africa’s squad at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile last year and was promoted to the Sundowns senior team shortly after impressing at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

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Despite reported European interest, Sundowns opted to integrate him into the first team where he has since made three appearances in all competitions to date, including one in the Betway Premiership this season. 

Sundowns have offered Kekana a new long-term contract as the club seeks to secure its emerging talent. However, negotiations have gone back and forth, with the midfielder’s camp ultimately rejecting the latest proposal.

Approached for comment, Michaels declined to be drawn into a public dispute with Sundowns. However, SABC Sport understands that Kekana remains keen to stay at Chloorkop, with his camp’s objection centred on the financial terms.

The situation presents Sundowns with a decision as they seek to retain their promising young players while balancing their reputation for holding onto talent against the need to secure value when players move abroad.

The club has demonstrated a willingness to sell when the right offer arrives, with Cassius Mailula joining Toronto FC three years ago and Thapelo Maseko recently moving to FC Copenhagen permanently. Sundowns have also agreed a loan move to French Ligue 1 side Lille for young defender Thato Sibiya.

Kekana’s situation is different from that of Kutlwano Letlhaku, who also reportedly rejected a new contract amid claims of a R30-million bid from Portugal. 

In Kekana’s case, his agent believes the player’s preference is to remain at Sundowns — provided the club improves its offer.