Despite earlier statements that we shall only do so when the time is right, there has been many names that have been linked to us before we could issue any statement to that effect.

Whilst this practise has obviously attracted a lot of negative responses from the institutions that are custodians of those names, for us it has literally turned into an ugly battle that demands our attention.

The latest story on Jose Torrealba from Mamelodi Sundowns has obviously caused us a lot of strain since it was published the previous week. Admittedly, we can confirm that we were initially approached by his manager who requested us to make an offer.

To date, we haven’t done so and any suggestion that we are pursuing the player is false and misleading to our supporters. It is therefore proper that we settle the matter by recording that we have expressed no interest in the player and neither have we entered into negotiation with him in person.

Just to reiterate, Kaizer Chiefs would announce its squad before mid July only when all transactions are completed and signatures are confirmed as authentic. We take a strong exception to boardroom generated stories that link us to names that we otherwise would not have any interest in.

May we also appeal to our supporters never to be gullible to any stories published before we officially reveal players for the 2007/8. We must also apologise to the players for the consternation caused. We also hope the matter would rest and allow the player a fair chance as he prepares for the incumbent season.