SABC Sport broke the news last week regarding an impasse between the reigning Footballer of the Year and the club, revealing that, despite talks having begun prior to the Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] in Cote d’Ivoire four months ago, the two parties have yet to reach a finality on Mokoena putting pen to paper.

The 27-year-old became the subject of interest from numerous teams in Europe, North Africa as well as the Gulf States on the back of his performances at the AFCON, where he helped Bafana clinch a bronze medal.

But Sundowns want to instead lock Mokoena to a new deal just as they have successfully done with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who earlier this month committed his future to the club until June 2028.

There has subsequently been speculation over how far the talks between Sundowns and Mokoena are, and his agent believes a lot of the information being spread is misleading.

“We were rather surprised and disappointed to read in the media, reports emanating from sources close to Sundowns that discussions between the parties in respect of a new deal are on track and we are close to finalising such a deal,” said Glyn Binkin.

“We have purposely stayed out of the media out of respect to Sundowns and the sensitivity around the negotiations, but feel it necessary to correct what has been said and written, and therefore set the record straight so as not to mislead anyone.”

When the public broadcaster reached out to the DStv Premiership champions last week, a statement sent to SABC Sport made it clear that the club felt no rush to conclude negotiations because Mokoena is still contracted until June 2026.

This has annoyed both the player and his camp, even more so when there’s a narrative playing out in local media that talks have been smooth.

“We have been in discussions and negotiations since November, and sadly are no closer to finalising a new deal, which has led to a lot of frustration and disappointment for both myself and my client in this regard,” added Binkin.

“However, we are hopeful the club will present a revised offer, which will bring this to finality and in the best interests of all concerned, so that the player can continue producing Man of the Match performances for Sundowns for years to come.”

Finished Ireland in Zimbabwe ODI Series