Vuyo Mere faces uncertainty over Bidvest Wits future

Bidvest Wits defender Vuyo Mere could wind up as a free agent in July if the club do not exercise their right to extend his contract.

Wits manager Gavin Hunt has done little to calm Mere saying he could only comment when he returned from holiday.

“I don’t know because I’m still on holiday, so phone me in June,” Hunt told Kickoff.com when approached for comment.

Mere made 25 appearances for Wits last season but given he turned 35 this year the club may look to bring in some younger blood at fullback.

Being a free agent is not a new experience for the former Platinum Stars captain who was let go by Mamelodi Sundowns in 2011. Mere went on to sign with Platinum stars. Shortly after Stars were acquired by new owners and became Cape Umoya United, their skipper left for Wits.

Mere says that he intends to play for as long as possible and is not deterred by his advanced years.

“I don’t know yet. I signed for a season and the club has an option to renew. So no word has been said yet,” he said.

“I love football and God has blessed me with a pure heart and strong legs, so I want to continue praising my God with the talent He has blessed me with for as long as I can.”

Mere played nine matches for Bafana Bafana, all during the time that Ted Dumitru was in charge, but played his last game for his country in a 2007 friendly win over Canada. He won the Premiership with Sundowns in 2006 and 2007 and also enjoyed an MTN8 Cup triumph during his time with the Brazilians. He was part of a Platinum Stars team that punched well above its weight winning the 2013/14 MTN 8 and Telkom Knockout and ending the PSL season of 2014/15 in third place.