Exclusive: Sharks shift ‘goal posts’ as Wandisile Simelane deal falls through

Wandisile Simelane is set to return to the Bulls with his tail between his legs, after his potential move to the Sharks officially fell through on Thursday afternoon.

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The South African News revealed exclusively earlier in the week that Simelane had been granted permission by the Bulls to travel to Durban in the hope of sealing a loan move to the Sharks. 

Simelane has featured twice for the Bulls

The outside centre was spotted in Durban, straight after returning to South Africa, from the Bulls tour to Europe in the early rounds of the United Rugby Championship. He has featured only twice this season, being elevated to start on the wing after Stravino Jacobs pulled out of the Bulls season opener against the Scarletts, before coming off the bench against Zebre in his sole appearance on tour. 

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Sources then confirmed to the publication that Simelane was, indeed there with the intentions of sealing a move to the Sharks, but more information has since come out, pertaining the negotiations between the Durban-based outfit and the Bulls. On Monday, sources speaking to this website did warn that, the move was far from sealed and they have since returned to give what now looks like a definite decision between all parties on the move. 

Sharks deal has fallen through

“I can now confirm that the move is off, as the Sharks and the Bulls have failed to agree terms on a deal for Simelane. They’re now off the negotiating table” said the source.

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When pressed for more details on why the move failed to materialised, the man reveals some interesting turn of events. 

Durban side changed initial terms of agreement

“Look, I don’t want to be saying too much, but for what it is worth, the Sharks moved the goal posts on this deal. They had initially approached the Bulls, expressing their interesting in Simelane. The Bulls outlined their conditions for the deal, making it clear that they would not be accepting any loan deal or any salary contribution deal. The Sharks seemed to understand this. They also knew the package the deal required, including Simelane’s salary and seemed like they were on board with that. Upon the player’s arrival in Durban, they then changed their tune and proposed a loan deal, which the Bulls refused”. The source confirmed. 

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Asked about Simelane’s state of mind as he now heads back to the Bulls, ironically, ahead of their game against the Sharks on the weekend, the source says the player is disappointed.

Player understands the situation

“Look, he was excited at the prospect of the move and is now obviously disappointed with how things transpired. But equally so, he understands the Bulls and the decision they made.” He concluded.

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Simelane will become a free agent at the end of the current URC campaign and it will be interesting to see if he eventually signs with the Sharks on a free, should he end up leaving the Bulls.