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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
CRACK South African club Mamelodi Sundowns are still to hear from French outfit AS Monaco on the outcome of their player Kudakwashe Mahachi’s trials, almost two weeks after the trial stint ended.
The former Bantu Rovers, Chicken Inn and Highlanders slippery winger attended trials with the French side for two weeks where he rubbed shoulders with some of the world’s best names, including the highly regarded duo of Falcao and Berbatov.

During the stint, the pint-sized ginger haired former Mzilikazi High School pupil received some rave reviews from the team, capping a fine period with two goals and an assist during the team’s pre-season friendly matches.

“We have not heard anything from Monaco as yet, nothing official but we are not worried much as the boy remains our player,” said the Absa Premiership champions’ spokesperson, Kabelo Mosito in a telephone interview with Chronicle Sport yesterday.

Indications though are that the 2014 Castle Lager Premiership Soccer Star of the Year second runner up might don the Brazilians’ colours for the first half of the South African Premiership season before moving abroad in January.

The French league kicks off on the weekend of August 8-10 with AS Monaco beginning their campaign with a home clash with FC Lorient.

Mahachi, said Mosito, has adapted well at the Sundowns set up with the club describing him as a marvel to watch and a true professional for his age.

In fact the player might feature for the Pitso Mosimane-coached side’s 2014/15 season opener against bogey side Platinum Stars in the MTN8 Trophy this weekend.

“I don’t decide who plays or not but Mahachi, like all the other players except those injured, is available for selection for our weekend clash with Platinum Stars,” said Mosito.

He added, “The boy has been a marvel really, it’s like he has been here much longer and we are so happy for him.”

Meanwhile, another local boy Marvellous Nakamba came in as a second half substitute for Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem’s friendly match against English giants Chelsea on Wednesday night.

The Dutch, however, fell 1-3 to the Jose Mourinho-coached giants who had the likes of Diego Costa, who provided all the three goals, his Spanish countryman Cesc Fabregas, imposing goalkeeper Cech among other world renowned stars. Ivorian international Didier Drogba was on the bench.

Nakamba, son to former Hwange goalkeeper Anthony, has been on loan from Bantu Rovers to French Ligue Two side Nancy and is on trial with the Netherlands outfit, considered by many in the football world as a Chelsea colony due to the English giants’ huge influence with many of its players on loan there.