Mashego questions R10m price tag for TS Galaxy winger Mahlambi

Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns striker Katlego Mashego says Kaizer Chiefs would be taking too much of a risk by paying R10 million for TS Galaxy winger Seluleko Mahlambi.

The 21-year-old has attracted attention after an impressive first professional season in the Betway Premiership, in which he scored six goals and provided six assists. His performances also earned him two PSL Awards nominations.

Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr submitted an opening bid of R4 million for the player, but TS Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi rejected the offer. Speaking on Metro FM, Sukazi said the club would consider selling Mahlambi only for at least R10 million.

That valuation has prompted debate across South African football, with some critics arguing on social media that Galaxy have placed too high a price on a player with limited top-flight experience.

Mashego believes Mahlambi’s potential does not yet justify the reported fee, particularly as Chiefs are seeking players capable of ending their league title drought.

“The boy has not played much in the PSL, so I do not know whether he will be able to help Chiefs win the league. They would be paying half of the prize money awarded for winning the league for one player. Chiefs need players who can return them to where they belong, so I do not know if he is worth R10 million,” Mashego told KickOff.

He also questioned whether Mahlambi’s breakthrough campaign had matched the level reached by some of the country’s other young attacking players.

“R10 million sounds like a lot of money for a player who has performed well for TS Galaxy for one season. Did he really set the scene alight last season? Did he perform at the level of Rele Mofokeng and others?

“The boy did very well last season, but will he end Chiefs’ league title drought, maybe if they are also going to sign other players? Spending R10 million on one player will not help a club improve.”

Mahlambi’s performances helped TS Galaxy achieve strong results during his debut campaign and established him as one of the club’s most prominent attacking players.

However, Mashego argues that Chiefs may need to strengthen in several positions rather than commit such a large proportion of their transfer budget to one inexperienced player.