Durban City insist Tylo Sanger is not for sale amid Sundowns and Pirates interest

Durban City chairman Farook Kadodia says midfielder Tylo Sanger is not for sale this season, despite reports linking the 22-year-old with moves to Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

Sanger joined Durban City from Cape Town Spurs before the start of the current campaign and has emerged as one of the club’s leading performers. His displays have reportedly attracted attention from both Sundowns and Pirates, with The Brazilians said to be particularly keen to strengthen their midfield.

That interest has intensified following the passing of Jayden Adams, which has left a significant gap in the Sundowns squad.

Sanger has also established himself among the leading players for Betway Premiership Man of the Match awards this season. He has collected two such honours, having been recognised for his performances against Richards Bay and Kruger United.

However, Kadodia says Durban City have no intention of weakening their squad while they continue to develop under new head coach Khalil Ben Youssef.

Speaking to KickOff, the chairman dismissed reports that the club had received an offer or formal approach for Sanger.

“He’s (Sanger) not for sale, there are no offers or approaches, just media speculation,” Kadodia said.

Kadodia acknowledged that there had been enquiries about several players, but insisted the club would not consider allowing members of the squad to leave before the end of the season.

“(However) there has been enquiries for quite a few players but we can’t break the team before we finish a season, we have to complete the season before we entertain anybody’s interest in players.”

Durban City are focused on building a strong team and making progress under Ben Youssef, rather than responding to transfer speculation during the campaign.

“All we need to do now is to build this team and progress.

“Unless something drastic allows us to change our minds but we don’t have any plans to just disturb the team you know.”

Kadodia also expressed his support for midfielder Brooklyn Poggenpoel after the player was included in the first preliminary Bafana Bafana squad announced by returning head coach Pitso Mosimane last week.

Poggenpoel’s selection was welcomed by the Durban City chairman, who said the midfielder had been working towards international recognition for some time.

“He (Poggenpoel) has always been knocking on the door, he has been working very hard and we wish him all the best that he remains in the structure of Bafana,” The Citizens boss added.

Durban City are also competing in CAF competitions for the first time. They hold a 1-0 advantage over Rukinzo after winning the first leg of their Confederation Cup tie at home.

The second leg is scheduled to take place in Burundi on Sunday, with Durban City aiming to protect their narrow lead and continue their debut campaign in the competition.