George Maluleka of Kaizer Chiefs warms up before during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 game between Cape Town City and Kaizer Chiefs at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on 27 August 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
George Maluleka scouted by Scottish giants – report
Glasgow Rangers are reportedly planning to make a move for Kaizer Chiefs’ George Maluleka.
George Maluleka of Kaizer Chiefs warms up before during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 game between Cape Town City and Kaizer Chiefs at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on 27 August 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Maluleka is wanted by Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers, according to a report by SunSports.
The 30-year-old is one of the longest-serving players in the current Amakhosi squad, having been in the club’s books since 2013.
Glasgow Rangers eyeing Kaizer Chiefs midfielder
He could soon be set for a new adventure as he is reportedly being scouted by European clubs, including the Scottish Premier League outfit, managed by Liverpool legend, Steven Gerrard.
The publication reports that Rangers’ scouts were present in Cape Town, where Chiefs thumped Stellenbosch FC 4-0 in a midweek league encounter.
However, Maluleka spent the duration of the match on the bench, failing to make a league appearance for only the second time in the ongoing season.
George Maluleka future at Chiefs in doubt
The player – who is part of Chiefs’ leadership core – does not have plenty of time remaining in his current contract with the Soweto giants.
As things stand, his current deal means he has until June 2020 at Naturena, which allows him to open talks with any potential suitors from January.
His agent, Shaun Roberts shed a bit of light on the situation.
“It’s a delicate situation at the moment. Call me in the new year and we can have a proper conversation,” Roberts told SunSport.
“At the moment, George is happy at Kaizer Chiefs and obviously playing well and is a regular. I think we can sort of have a conversation properly in the new year.
“It’s not only Maluleka whose future at Chiefs is up in the air. Also, Bernard Parker is in the last year.”
Shaun Roberts
How a potential departure could affect Amakhosi
Maluleka has been a regular starter for Chiefs, playing in ten of their 12 league fixtures so far.
In his absence, veteran midfielder Willard Katsande has stepped in to partner new signing, Kearyn Baccus in the centre of the park.
The Zimbabwean international and Maluleka have been somewhat interchangeable in recent weeks and have, on occasion, partnered up.
However, should the former Bafana player leave for Scotland, coach Ernst Middendorp might just have to turn to James Kotei, who is yet to feature in Chiefs colours since arriving at the club in July.
Another player capable of stepping in in the centre of the midfield is the versatile Philani Zulu, who could find himself enjoying a bigger role in the squad, while rising star Nkosingiphile Ngcobo could also be considered.
