WANTAWAY Sundowns striker Katlego “Killer” Mphela will fly to Scotland tonight for a five-day trial with Glasgow giants Celtic.
Mphela’s agent Glyn Binkin last night confirmed Sundowns had dismissed an offer from Israel’s Maccabi Haifa for the man who scored Bafana Bafana’s winner against Egypt two months ago.
But he told the Discovery Sports Centre on MetroFM: “It’s been quite a documented transfer situation but I’m delighted to say he’s got permission from Mamelodi Sundowns this afternoon.
“He’ll be flying out to Celtic tonight to take a five day trial in Glasgow. Sundowns promised to give him a chance, I’d like to thank them for giving him this opportunity.
“Maccabi Haifa? Katlego wanted to play football at the highest level, whatever that entailed. But in consulation with the club, Sundowns decided they’d prefer to pursue to Glasgow Celtic option and we’ll take him there.”
Asked if the Celtic offer would exceed the reported £17m made by Maccabi, Binkin said: “Maccabi made an offer and Sundowns turned it down. We respect that decision. When Mphela first played in Europe (with Strasbourg) at 17, he didn’t make it. That’s why he came back to South Africa. But now he has another opportunity.
“Sundowns wanted Mphela to stay but now, for whatever reason, they’ve let him go. I can’t speak for the club but I think it’s important for South African football that Mphela and players of his ilk go abroad.
“There’s been a lot of figures bandied about, Celtic have given Sundowns an idea of the fee they’re looking at. Now he has to prove he’s worth that amount.
“The Scottish Premier League is very tough and demanding, the big clubs are Celtic and Rangers, always at the top, always in Europe. For Mphela, it’s about competing at the top level, and we believe it’s the option which will be good for his future.”
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