Stars' R2m bid won't woo Celtic

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Wednesday January 9, 2013 00:00

Platinum Stars, who have been a revelation in the first half of the ABSA Premiership, are reportedly keen on the former Township Rollers and Mochudi Centre Chiefs star.

But in a telephone interview, Larsen said there will not be any compromises concerning Mogorosi.'Joel is not for sale, period,' Larsen told Mmegi Sport. The Celtic mentor watched as Mogorosi, arguably his greatest coup this season, scored three goals in three successive cup matches to help his side win the Telkom Knockout Cup. In fact, his solitary strike against Mamelodi Sundowns won the Free State side the TKO trophy.

Thereafter, Larsen repeatedly made it clear Mogorosi is aware what Celtic went through to acquire his services and does not expect him to ditch the club.  Celtic had to put up a fight to get the winger who had already signed for Zimbabwe's cash rich outfit FC Platinum.'I've got a very good relationship with Joel; he knows how hard I worked to get him here. He won't be distracted no matter which club approaches him,' said Larsen a few days after the TKO final.

He is confident Mogorosi is yet to reach optimum form. 'Joel has not even hit top form; he has been in and out of the team. So I don't believe he is at his utmost best. I think he will dominate in the PSL for years to come.'The ABSA Premier League is on a seven-week break due to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and resumes in mid-February.

Meanwhile, Zebras marksman, Jerome Ramatlhakwana is certain to don Mochudi Centre Chiefs' colours in the second half of the season. Chiefs' communications manager, Clifford Mogomotsi said they were waiting for the player's reverse International Transfer Certificate from South Africa. 'We are just waiting for the ITC otherwise JJ will turn out for us in the remainder of the season,' Mogomotsi said. Chiefs are still waiting to hear from Amazulu about their interest in Phenyo Mongala. Mogomotsi said Usuthu were yet to say a word in the New Year.