TS Galaxy turn down Mamelodi Sundowns advances for Puso Dithejane

The Brazilians have been active in the current window as they look to reinforce ahead of the second half of the season, having already announced the arrivals of Monnapule Saleng and Colombian striker Bryan León.

Dithejane has emerged as a priority target for the Tshwane giants, who are keen to add more attacking depth as they juggle domestic and continental ambitions. 

For the 21-year-old, he has enjoyed a standout campaign with Galaxy, collecting several Player of the Month accolades and establishing himself as one of the most productive attackers in the league.  

His return of four goals and four assists from just 12 league appearances has only heightened interest in his services, with Sundowns understood to have made an official bid in recent days. 

Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi has never hidden the club’s willingness to do business with local rivals as part of their broader sustainability model, however, in this instance, he has taken a firm stance.  

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It is understood Sukazi is unwilling to part with Dithejane on the cheap, particularly given the club’s current inability to recruit a replacement amid a FIFA-imposed player registration ban, which the chairman confirmed to the public broadcaster late last month.

Sources suggest this restriction has played a significant role in the club’s reluctance to entertain offers below their valuation, with Dithejane viewed internally as their most valuable asset at this stage of the season. 

Information gathered by SABC Sport also indicates that the bid tabled by Sundowns fell well short of Galaxy’s expectations – and this comes after reports from South America suggested Sundowns forked out in the region of R57-million to secure León from Independiente Medellín.

That figure has sharpened Galaxy’s resolve, with the club unconvinced by an offer that was considerably lower for a proven local performer. 

Despite the setback, Sundowns do have recent transfer business with Galaxy as previously reported by SABC Sport that defender Khulumani Ndamane would complete his move to Chloorkop this month following an agreement during the September window.  

Galaxy had requested that the player remain for a further six months to aid his development and bolster his chances of making the Bafana Bafana squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, which he ultimately achieved.

Should Sundowns wish to revive their interest in Dithejane, they will likely have to return with a significantly improved offer.