Mamelodi Sundowns set to land Bafana Bafana star from Bloemfontein Celtic

Bloemfontein Celtic defender Sifiso Ngobeni is reportedly on the verge of joining DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns in a move that will come after stellar performances at the Cosafa Cup for winners Bafuna Bafana.

Ngobeni is expected to head to Sundowns camp

The Sundowns squad are currently getting stuck in with their pre-season preparations in Polokwane, where Ngobeni is expected to join the side when his deal is from Celtic is confirmed following his medical.

Ngobeni was one of the regulars for Bafana Bafana en-route their Cosafa Cup triumph, and gave a good account of himself in the process. His exploits at the tournament seem to have further convinced the management at Sundowns that Chloorkop is the perfect place to continue his development.

READ | MAMELODI SUNDOWNS TO BEAT KAIZER CHIEFS TO SIPHO MBULE’S SIGNING?

A source has since spoken to Kickoff.com, divulging details on how far along the deal to take Ngobeni to Sundowns is at this very moment, and it seems like it is only a matter of time now till every is wrapped up.

Deal close to completion

“The negotiations with all parties are now at an advanced stage. Ngobeni is expected to arrive at Chloorkop this week to complete his medicals,” said the source.

“He is expected to join the rest of the (Sundowns) players in Polokwane before the end of this week” he confirmed further

READ | SA YOUTH INTERNATIONAL CHOOSES MAMELODI SUNDOWNS TRANSFER OVER KAIZER CHIEFS

Should the deal avoid any hiccups and go through, Ngobeni would be the second key member of the Celtic side to join Sundowns, after The Brazilians had already confirmed the capture of midfielder Neo Maema.

Sundowns view Ngobeni as Langerman replacement

It is believed that Sundowns view Ngobeni as the perfect like for like replacement for the club’s long serving left back Tebogo Langerman who is yet to report back for pre-season despite still being contracted to the club. It has been made no secret that Downs are willing to part ways with the veteran Bafana Bafana star with suggestions that they have already tried to include him as part of packages to bring in some of their transfer targets, having rendered him as surplus to requirements as far back as last season already.

Left back competition is tight

Once the deal goes through Ngobeni will be tasked with competing with fellow new signing Devine Lungu who joined Sundowns from Golden Arrows earlier this month. The two add further depth to a squad that already has Lyle Lakay at left back.

READ | MAMELODI SUNDOWNS JOIN KAIZER CHIEFS IN THE CHASE FOR SOUTH AMERICAN STAR

The losses of Maema and Ngobeni to Sundowns will only further compound the blow on Celtic, whose FIFA transfer ban has since kicked in. Phunya Sele Sele are barred from registering any new players after failing to pay out former keeper and longtime servant Patrick Tingyemb who parted ways with the club unceremoniously.