Concerns have been raised about the timing of Bathusi Aubaas' move to Mamelodi Sundowns with the TS Galaxy midfielder having agreed to join the reigning DStv Premiership champions at the mature age of 28 years old.
Aubaas been traded to Mamelodi Sundowns after spending five years at TS Galaxy rising to eventually get noticed by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo.
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The 28-year-old originally came from amateur club Kuruman United before a stint at Mamelodi Sundowns' satellite academy in Rustenburg after which he moved to Orbit College then Buya Msuthu, Free State Stars, and then TS Galaxy.
"I worked with him in the season when we went to the playoffs where he was then spotted by Free State Stars," says Kabelo Sibiya who coached Aubaas at Buya Msuthu during the 2016/17 season.
"Aubass was always good and matured in his play even from a young age when he would play 90 minutes all the time while other Under-23s were substituted.
"He is a versatile player who was spotted playing right back but when I got there, I played him as an "8" then "10".
"So being able to play multiple positions is a key quality about him because he has also been playing as a holding midfielder.
"The boy is a hard worker and I honestly feel this move could have come earlier for him.
"He is now 28 and I believe he could have been seen much earlier.
"I don't know what happened, but he has always been a regular player at TS Galaxy in the first division where I tried to sign him while I was at TS Sporting.
"He has always been an outstanding performer hence I feel this move could have happened a bit earlier.
"I'm sure he can still offer and only made it into the national team now.
"It is a concern that he is only making the move now at 28.
"When will he adapt to the new environment?
"When will he adapt to the big club that is Sundowns?
"Sometimes, it is only after two years that players settle and by that time, he will be 30.
"What will happen now in the national team if he is not playing at his new club?
"One hopes that it turns out good and he arrives there and gets going right away so that he retains his spot in the national team and goes to the AFCON.
"The plus is that he is a strong character which will help him settle.
"With the type of player that he is, I think it will be easier for him to settle in faster because his game is about hard work.
"As a coach, you feel safe with a player who doesn't want to be worshipped.
"Being the grinder that he is will help.
"It will be interesting to see how he is used at Sundowns but has a lot of work to do to be in the first-team, but this will be a challenge that he will learn from.
"If you get tested and last the distance at Sundowns our national team will benefit.
"I'm sure he knows what is at stake in going to Sundowns and needs support because he will feel lonely when he is not in the team.
"He needs to make money and appreciate the opportunity because after this contract nothing will be guaranteed," says Sibiya.
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