Mushekwi faces uncertain future at Mamelodi Sundowns

NYASHA Mushekwi faces an uncertain future at Mamelodi Sundowns as only two spots reserved for foreign players are left, the South African media reports.

Sundowns have already registered three foreign players - the Zimbabwean duo of Cuthbert Malajila and Kudakwashe Mahachi along with Senegalese striker Mame Niang – and must now add another two to fill up their foreign quota.

Of the two foreign spots one is believed to be earmarked for Khama Billiat and new Nigerian signing Ejike Uzoenyi. Sundowns have foreign five players waiting for those two spots - Billiat, Uzoenyi, Zambian defender Hichani Himoonde, Ghana defender Rashid Sumaila and Mushekwi.

Whispers suggest that Billiat's place is secured and he will be registered once he recovers from the foot injury that has been troubling him, while the last foreign spot will most likely be taken by Uzoenyi.

There is still a possibility that Sumaila could leave following interest in his services from teams in Europe, but that is not cast in stone as yet.

Himoonde is likely to be loaned out but just like Mukuka Mulenga and Emmanuel Mathias - who have gone out to ZESCO United and Bloemfontein Celtic respectively - it remains unclear what will then happen with Mushekwi as he will not be eligible to be registered.

Last season Mushekwi was loaned out to Belgian side KV Oostende.

Mushekwi faces a possible exit from the club if he doesn't recover in time from a knee injury.

The Zimbabwe international suffered the injury during his time with KV Oostende and since then he has struggled to shake it off.

A source at Chloorkop say that although the medical team is doing all in their power for Mushekwi to be fit again, the player may be released.

"He spent the last two weeks with our physiotherapist in order to get fit and start pre-season with the team. He's still far from training with the first team and he could be excused if he doesn't recover in time because the season is starting in four weeks' time.

"If he's kept then it's highly unlikely that he will be registered with the PSL to play for next season as you know we have a lot of international players that can be registered in his place," added the source.

Mushekwi is reportedly wanted by Oostende again next season with an unnamed European club also interested in his signature, but the injury could cost him a possible move back to Europe.

"We know that Oostende want him, but I don't think they will want to take someone who's injured. He may need to recover first then we can engage with them," concluded our source.

Clubs are allowed to register only five foreign players every season and cannot add another foreign player even if they de-register another foreigner.