HARARE - ZIMBABWE international Tendai Ndoro is set to leave Mpumalanga Black Aces amid strong interest from Absa Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Soweto giants Orlando Pirates have also made inquiries about the availability of Ndoro, but the Daily News is reliably informed that talks between Aces and Sundowns are now at an advanced stage for the transfer of the striker.
Ndoro, made a huge impression since joining Aces from Bulawayo side Chicken Inn at the start of the year, scoring seven goals in 16 league matches.
That flying start to his Super Diski career has made Ndoro the hottest property during this off with a host of clubs vying for his signature.
“Mamelodi Sundowns lead the race to sign the player,” said the source.
“The talks are at an advanced stage. Both parties don’t want to divulge anything because they fear it could attract counter offers from other interested clubs.”
Sundowns’ chief scout Trott Moloto refused to comment on the matter referring all questions to the player’s agent George Deda.
Deda, however tried to poor cold water on the striker’s links to the Brazilians, saying they are focused on getting the player ready for his intended trials with English club Crystal Palace.
“I am not very sure about the Sundowns and Pirates interest. You know what happens when you are playing well you get lot of attention from several teams especially during this off season,” Deda, who is in South Africa told the Daily News.
“The only deal that I can confirm is that he is going to Europe. He is supposed to go for trials at English Premiership side Crystal Palace.
“I have been in touch with the team and as soon as they start their pre-season preps sometime in mid-June or beginning of July he will attend the trails.
“But for now there is nothing yet that has been tabled from the Absa Premiership teams. These are only rumours.
“When we get something we will let you know. At the moment I don’t have enough details I have been away in Mozambique.”
Meanwhile, South African website KickOff reports that Pirates have also stepped up their efforts to sign Ndoro.
“Pirates are very interested; Ndoro remains their top target for next season,” a source inside the Sea Robbers camp told the publication.
While all this has been happening, Aces insist that they will be holding on to their most prized asset amidst all this interest from all four corners.
“The club wishes to put it on record that all the transfer rumors linking Ndoro with an Aces’ exit are premature and unfounded and should be treated as mere gossip.
“Although we can confirm there has been an interest for the player locally, without revealing any names, Ndoro will be staying put with AmaZayoni.”