West Ham, who were relegated last season, have shown an interest in the Amakhosi Player of the Year but seemed undecided as they could not table a firm offer. It was on this basis that Chiefs management decided not to entertain this proposal.

"We had inquiries from West Ham who wanted Stanton Fredericks to come over for a week’s trails but we rejected that proposal. We felt it was an insult for a first division team like West Ham to ask a player like Stanton to come for trials," said club MD Kaizer Motaung.

"The player is a regular at club level and fully established at international level. He is on top form and we felt it would have been unfair on the player especially after what happened to Cyril Nzama at the same club. If they want the player they must table a firm offer and we will take it from there."

Nzama was invited for trials with Hammers after an impressive performance at the 2002 World Cup finals in Asia. But after spending a week with Glenn Roeder’s side, the hardworking defender was told the club could afford to sign defenders as they were fighting to escape relegation.

"Cyril has gone back to South Africa because he wasn't quite what we were looking for," said Roeder at the time.

Nzama's game has never been the same since returning from West Ham and has struggled to make it into the national team.

The Amakhosi boss said he was worried Fredericks could suffer the same fate and added that the Naturena club was not prepared to take that risk. His message was clear - make a firm offer or stop dreaming about having Fredericks at Upton Park.