Mokoena sticks with Pompey

Mokoena sticks with Pompey

Published Jan. 6, 2010 4:40 a.m. ET

Pompey continue to see their season undermined by off-field monetary problems, with the future looking increasingly uncertain on the South Coast. The ongoing troubles have fuelled speculation that there could be a mass exodus of talent from Fratton Park during the January transfer window. The likes of David James, Younes Kaboul and John Utaka have all be linked with moves elsewhere, while the general consensus appears to be that every player has his price. Avram Grant will also be barred from adding to his squad over the coming weeks as Pompey work under a transfer embargo. However, the Israeli tactician has been handed a welcome boost with the news that club captain Mokoena has no intention of jumping ship and is ready to give his all in the club's Premier League relegation battle. "In this month's transfer window period I have been approached by several clubs but I have made it clear I'm not going anywhere," he told Sowetan. Mokoena's decision to stay put has been partially driven by his desire to be a key player for South Africa when the World Cup finals head to his homeland this summer. "Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has advised Bafana Bafana players warming the benches to move to clubs where they will play regularly to enhance their chances of being part of the World Cup squad," said the national skipper. "I cannot risk my chances of being part of the historic 2010 Fifa World Cup finals by moving to another club where I might not be guaranteed that I will play regularly immediately on my arrival. "Portsmouth are going through some internal challenges, but the new owners of the club are doing their utmost best to sort out the problem. "I have been with Portsmouth for six months (after joining from Blackburn). I have no immediate plans to leave. "We need to win at least four games. As players we have decided to treat all the remaining games like a cup final to escape the relegation axe."

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