By Bongani Tshabalala
Bloemfontein Celtic is yet to receive acceptable offers from clubs interested in the service of transfer listed midfielder, 31-year-old Lantshene Phalane.
This Premier Soccer League (PSL) outfit placed the player on the market in December, hoping to get offers during the domestic transfer period. However, the PSL domestic transfer window officially closed at midnight on 15 February. According to Sello Nduna, Celtic Spokesperson, no viable offers were received during the domestic transfer period.
“The club had been awaiting a good offer from any team interested in Phalane’s services. Nevertheless, the team still has an active contract with the player and the contract will be honoured”, he said. Phalane’s deal with Phunya Sele-Sele will expire in 2023. When his previous contract was due to expire, Celtic tied down the midfielder with a long term deal to ward off potential suitors hoping to land him on a free transfer. With the domestic transfer market now closed, both player and club will have to wait for the next domestic transfer.
Phalane joined Siwelele from Moroka Swallows in 2015.
The vastly experienced player also had a sterling stint with Baroka FC, Platinum Stars and the University of Pretoria. Head coach John Maduka and his technical team, Simon Gopane , Abram Nteo and Ditheko Mototo do not seem to be too frazzled by the lack of offers.
Despite Phalane being transfer-listed he has put on an impressive performance in recent league matches. According to Nduna, Phalane’s selection by the club’s technical team is a sign of confidence.
“The club is of the opinion that he still has a future with Phunya Sele-Sele. Phalane is still committed and is training with the rest of the team”.
Phalane is recovering from a minor injury sustained in one of the recent matches.
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