Sundowns hint at lifeline for Kapinga

SABC Sport reported on transfer deadline day last month the 27-year-old was keen to either be sold or loaned out before the registration window closed, but the Brazilians did not receive any concrete offers for his services.

Kapinga then made his first appearance in the starting line-up in Tuesday night’s 3-2 victory against Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup to help Downs progress to the next round of the cup.

Coach Rulani Mokwena suggested there could be a way back for the player. 

“[I am] very proud of him because he knows how much I like him as a footballer and as a human being,” the coach told journalists as he reflected on a performance that saw Kapinga set up two of the three goals Sundowns scored. 

“I think he showed that he is here with a very good contribution to what was a very good team performance. He is a good person too, quiet. But worked very hard, this is what we expect from everybody that gets to represent the club.” 

Prior to the cup clash at Loftus Stadium, the former Black Leopards midfielder had only five DStv Premiership appearances, all from the bench. 

“I thought he took his opportunity very well, could have scored one or two with better decision-making. But I am very proud of him as I am proud of Sipho Mbule, Bongani Zungu, Mosa Lebusa…there were good individual performances, that’s why the team was very good for sure,” Mokwena added.