Morgan Gould wasn't part of SuperSport United's initial plans

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Aug 20, 2016. 12:00

SuperSport United CEO Stan Matthews has revealed that new signing Morgan Gould wasn't part of the club's initial plans for the 2016-17 Premier Soccer League season, before penning a one-year deal.

The former Kaizer Chiefs defender completed his return to Matsatsantsa this month, with the 33-year-old signing a short-term deal.

Even ,though, Gould is expected to start against Platinum Stars next week, Matthews said that the defender was brought into the club as back-up for the likes of Mario Booysen and Denwin Farmer.

"Morgan has signed for a season, it is a short term contract," said Matthews. "We were very straightforward with Morgan - he wasn't a player we were looking to bring in if I am very honest, he wasn't in our plans, he wasn't on our radar at all.

With the club struggling to tie down Booysen on-loan from Sundowns and Farmer afforded compassionate leave to spend time with his ill father, the club thought it be best to bring Gould on board.

"But, our delays in negotiations around Mario Booysen with Sundowns left us in a little bit of a predicament that we could potentially have a hick-up. Denwin Farmer's dad has been very ill and his mind has been with his dad, rightfully so," Matthews continued.

"Denwin has been spending time with his dad, he has been in hospital so he hasn't had a great pre-season - we didn't feel it was fair to rush him back, a young player with personal stress in his life. His priority should be with his dad.

Matthews reserved special praise for Gould and believes the former Bafana Bafana centre-back's experience will be as valuable off the field as on it.

"We felt it was prudent as a club to get some centre-back cover and what better than our former captain - he was a fantastic ambassador for us and he made us significant cash in the transfer market when he was sold to Kaizer Chiefs - I wasn't here when he was sold - but he did make us a handsome profit for the club.

"He came from Jomo Cosmos as a free agent. There was a mutual benefit out there; a soft landing for Gould as he prepares for life after football while we were looking for stop-gap cover at centre back. He is a great character in the dressing room and will impart so much experience on the younger generation, we felt that Morgan will have value to add and it is almost irrelevant how much football he plays," Matthews concluded.

Furthermore, the club have confirmed that star-striker Jeremy Brockie has signed a new four-year deal with Matsatsantsa.

What a night, thanks for all the kind messages. I'm thrilled to announce I've signed a 4 year extension to my contract with @SuperSportFC

— Jeremy Brockie (@JRBrockie) August 19, 2016