Cape Town City head coach Eric Tinkler has made his stance clear on Mduduzi Mdantsane with his contract set to expire at the end of the current season.
The 28-year-old playmaker has developed into one of the most sought-after players in the DStv Premiership since joining the club from Baroka in December 2019.
After initially coming in as a holding midfielder, he’s become one of their most important players with 19 goals in 63 games across all competitions.
But with his deal set to run out at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, there’s been question marks surrounding his future, with the likes of SuperSport United and TS Galaxy among the clubs believed to be keen on his services.
However, Tinkler says his bit-part role this season is down to a dip in from, rather than the end of his spell with the Citizens.
Teenager Jaedin Rhodes and academy product Taahir Goedeman have both earned places in the starting eleven, restricting Mdantsande to just six starts.
“Did you check the stats? How many goals did Mdu score last season… and there you go, he hasn’t scored this season – so has he fallen out of favour,” Tinkler said, when asked by iDiski Times.
“Well I’ve got three 10s, Mdu, Balla, and Jaedin. So now I’ve given Jaedin an opportunity because how many more opportunities do you give someone, but with Mdu we know all the talent and ability but sometimes players do drop in form.
“But I’ve seen now, this last week, leading to this game, a vast improvement from Mdu – you know and he came on and got an assist, goal, fantastic.
“He is not being sold, that one, the chairman is still dealing with that but I think the chairman has dealt with that – but I don’t think I should be telling you.”
Mdantsane is now set to commit his long-term future to the club as they look to replicate their incredible form in the second half of last season and climb up the top-flight standings.
