Downs contract not the end of overseas dream – Teboho Mokoena

The Brazilians confirmed two weeks ago that the Bafana Bafana international had finally agreed to stay put at Chloorkop until at least 2029 as had initially been reported by SABC Sport.

It ended speculation around the player’s future amidst interest from North Africa, the Gulf region and Europe following a standout performance at the Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] earlier this year with the national team.

Bafana came home with a bronze medal, and Mokwena – along with a few of his teammates – were suddenly on the shop window for clubs overseas.

When asked if this dream was over, Mokoena was quick to point out there were opportunities still to see him move.

“I am happy to be at the club – the reason I signed the contract is because I know the project and want to be part of it. It was an easy decision for me to stay here because we still have the [FIFA] Club World Cup, we still CAF [Champions League] and we still have AFL [African Football League] and I still have Bafana Bafana on the side,” the player said on Monday.

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Sundowns bought Mokwena from their Tshwane rivals SuperSport United in January 2022 at a time the midfielder was still being monitored by a few European clubs.

Despite there being an impasse between the player’s camp and Sundowns during contract negotiations, it’s believed Mokoena eventually signed with some promise that if there’s a genuine offer – especially after the Club World Cup next year – then Downs would not stand in his way.

“Let’s see what happens next year,” Mokwena added.