Source: Team_Talk
Pompey boss wants Mokoena to stay
Portsmouth are hoping to convince Aaron Mokoena to stay on at the club despite the South African not yet returning to training.[LNB] The 29-year-old has been on extended leave following his exertions for his country at the World Cup and was expected to return for training on Friday.[LNB]However, talks with manager Steve Cotterill have resulted in the player being given until the end of July to return, meaning he will miss the team's pre-season trips to America and Canada.[LNB]Mokoena still has two years remaining on his current deal, but after playing a starring role in Pompey's topsy-turvy season that saw them relegated from the Premier League with a points deduction and an inspired run to the FA Cup final, rumours suggest he may not be willing to take a step down.[LNB]Cotterill, however, is confident he could persuade the Bafana Bafana skipper to stay at Fratton Park. [LNB]"I spoke to Aaron on Monday night. He phoned me to ask if he could come back a bit later," Cotterill told the Portsmouth News.[LNB]"He was meant to be back today, but wanted to know if he could have a bit more time off.[LNB]"Aaron has been in a lot of demand in South Africa due to his role in the team and the World Cup. He's not stopped.[LNB]"He's also getting married at the weekend, so I've said he can have a bit of extra time off.[LNB]"It's not a problem. Aaron is absolutely fantastic, an absolute gentleman and someone I definitely want to stay. We are going to start having discussions with his representatives about him staying.[LNB]"I don't want him going anywhere else.[LNB]"We'll see what happens with the talks but I want him to stay."[LNB]The former Cheltenham and Notts County boss also gave his reasons behind giving the ex-Blackburn centre-back more time off, stating it is down to his overall fitness following the World Cup, where South Africa failed to make it past the group stage.[LNB]"At this rate, by Christmas Aaron will be dead on his feet," he added.[LNB]"That's something nobody wants to happen and we have to bear that in mind.[LNB]"We've got to look after him a bit and that is why he's been given extra time off.[LNB]"He'll now be back when we return to the UK after our pre-season in America."
