TS Galaxy's Mahlambi committed as Chiefs make R4m bid

TS Galaxy FC interim coach Esau Mtsweni confirms Seluleko Mahlambi wants to stay, with Kaizer Chiefs having tabled a R4 million offer for the winger.

TS Galaxy FC winger Seluleko Mahlambi is focused on the club's survival fight despite a formal R4 million offer from Kaizer Chiefs, according to interim coach Esau Mtsweni. The 13th-placed Rockets value the player at approximately R10 million as they prepare for a key home match against Durban City on Saturday 7 November. The team finds itself 17 points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns after a difficult start.

Mtsweni moved to clarify the player's mindset amid the transfer speculation. "As far as I know, with Mahlambi, he’s okay," the coach said. "He’s focused, and he wants to be here." The comments come with TS Galaxy sitting uncomfortably in 13th place in the Premier Soccer League, having taken just six points from their opening eight games. Their recent form shows one draw and three defeats in the last four outings, including a 3-0 loss to the very Kaizer Chiefs side now pursuing Mahlambi. That defeat, in which W. Duba scored a hat-trick, contributed to a run of four matches with zero wins, one draw, and three defeats.

Valuation and recent struggles

The club's high valuation of Mahlambi is rooted in his breakout campaign last season, where he contributed six goals and six assists in 36 appearances after being promoted from the DStv Diski Challenge squad. That output contrasts with the team's current struggles in front of goal. While veteran striker V. Letsoalo leads the team with four goals this term, the side has netted only seven times while conceding twelve, leaving them with a negative five goal difference. Their season record stands at one win, three draws, and four losses from eight games.

Their most recent result was a goalless draw away to Polokwane City on October 31, a point that halted a run of consecutive losses which included defeats to Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

The Chiefs interest and what's next

Kaizer Chiefs' formal bid, understood to be around R4 million, has been lodged for the attacker. However, the player's stance suggests a desire to remain at the Mbombela Stadium for now. The report indicates Mahlambi wants to be at TS Galaxy "until something happens," leaving his long-term future open.

The immediate priority is securing points. TS Galaxy host Durban City on Saturday 7 November, a fixture against a side placed 10th. A positive result is vital for a team that has won only once all season. Mtsweni will be hoping Mahlambi's declared focus translates into performance on the pitch as the club seeks to move away from the relegation zone.