KAIZER Chiefs have started negotiations with Richards Bay FC regarding the sale of winger, Thulani “Sasko” Gumede, who was a minor player last season.
Gumede (25), who was promoted to the big scheme of Bay from the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) in previous seasons, is one of the players who hit the mark in the past under the leadership of the coaches, Papi Zothwane and Ronnie Gabriel. He scored two goals, making three in 18 games. One of his goals was scored against Chiefs in the Betway Premiership match, and the other scored in a 2-2 draw with Orlando Pirates at the Mhlathuze Sports Complex.
This newspaper found out that the Chiefs have reached out to Bay and asked to be sold to Gumede. However, it is said that the catch is that the money put on the table by the Kings is less than what the managers of the Natal Rich Boyz want. It is said that the Chiefs were willing to pay R3 million for Gumede who ate with speed and swing.
“Chiefs are talking to Bay about Sasko, but what has stopped them is the amount that cannot be agreed upon. Bay’s managers have no problem with selling him, but they complain that the amount of money that Chiefs is giving is small and they believe that this player should be bought with more money. But the negotiations are still ongoing as Chiefs are still deliberating on how to return the extra money,” said the source.
Bay’s chairman, Sifiso “Jomo” Gumede, could not be reached to comment on the talks with Chiefs.
Bay has already sold the defender, Sibangani Zulu, to Pirates who are on a campaign to win the Caf Champions League title next season. Before the start of last season, the team sold forward Yanela Mbuthuma and Nkosikhona “Shakes” Ndaba to Zimnyama at left back.
A source within the Chiefs confirmed that there is a player wanted by Makhosi in the Bay, they refuse to sell him.
The spokesperson for Chiefs, Vina Maphosa, said that at the moment nothing has been said by the management about the players wanted by the team. Instead, he highlighted that they have announced a new goalkeeper coach, Olivier Sorin, from France.