Midfielder Cole Alexander has provided a teammate's perspective into the 'tricky' situation of Polokwane City's in-demand duo of Oswin Appollis and Thabang Matuludi.
The Bafana Bafana pair were both key figures for Rise Shine last season and were each rewarded with call-ups to the national team.
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Appollis was on part of the squad that returned with a bronze medal at the AFCON in January, while Matuludi was included in the squad that did COSAFA Cup duty in July.
Unsurprisingly, the two players have also attracted interest from both local and international potential suitors looking to strengthen their squads ahead of the new season.
Appollis is the subject of interest from Kaizer Chiefs as well as an Algerian outfit, while his teammate is also wanted by Amakhosi, who are desperate to find cover in the right-back position.
City's management, meanwhile, is understood to be determined to keep their players as they look to build a strong team capable of challenging for the top four when the Betway Premiership season begins in September.
Speaking to journalists at the club's recent media open day, Alexander – a former Chiefs player himself – admitted that the duo's situation is a complex one.
"You know it's very tough because, from my side, I want what's best for the club, but also as a father, as a family man, I also want what's best for the player and his family. So, it's a very tricky situation," the midfielder said.
"Ultimately, I don't know what's going to happen, but those are two important players for the club. Listening to our chairman [Johnny Mogaladi], the chairman wants to build this brand. He wants the brand to get bigger and bigger and by losing some of the key players, I think that's something that wouldn't help the club.
"If they are here, the brand only gets bigger and stronger and we can reach more things together as a team.
"So, yeah, it's a very complex situation and I can't say much about it. But for me, I want the best for the club and for the players. So, we'll see, God knows best."
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Having crashed out of the MTN8 after their quarterfinal defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns, Polokwane City now turn their attention to the league, where they will begin the 2024/25 campaign with a fixture against AmaZulu FC on 14 September.