Ng’ambi move talk increases

• Stars coach hints at the same

South Africa’s Platinum Stars coach Allan Freese has added fuel to speculations over Robert Ng’ambi’s possible move in the January transfer window by stating that he cannot guarantee the Malawian’s stay at the club.

Freese told KickOff magazine online edition on Saturday that it was only the Stars management that can ensure the stay of their key midfielder.

Stars are in the relegation zone, lying third from bottom.

The Flames ace is reportedly a target for South Africa Premiership heavyweights such as Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United during this transfer window, but Freese says the player will see off the remainder of his two-year contract.

“I cannot say I can keep Robert (Ng’ambi). Can I give him what he wants? The club must say that, they must decide. He still has another two years [on his contract] and I am confident that he will stay,” Freese is quoted as saying by KickOff.

Amid the speculation, a SuperSport official has revealed that their offer to buy Ng’ambi was rejected by Stars, but they are likely to make another bid again soon.

Another South Africa football website Goal also reported on Saturday that Pirates would raid Stars for at least three players, including Ng’ambi.

Goal cited Stars trio Siyabonga Mpontshane, Tshepo Gumede, and Ng’ambi as being on Pirates’ radar.

“Look, negotiations are still ongoing between the two clubs. Nothing has been agreed at this point, but discussions are going well for the three players. There is no pressure as we also have an option of signing two of them on pre-contracts,” a source told Goal.

Another South African publication Soccer Laduma corroborated the other magazines by quoting a source who said Pirates are eyeing Ng’ambi as Oupa Manyisa’s replacement.

The Pirates captain Manyisa is linked with a move to Mamelodi Sundows.

“Pirates want to buy him out of his current contract with Platinum Stars. They want him as soon as they can because they want to strengthen their midfield,” Soccer Laduma quoted a source.

Ng’ambi told The Nation a fortnight ago that he is ignoring such reports as there is no official offer and that his name is always linked with transfers during every window.

However, his agent Tim Suzi told the media in South Africa that Stars have until this April to exercise their option of extending the contract. n