Ethiopian Coffee president Fekade Mamo says Abubeker Nasir's transfer to Mamelodi Sundowns is being held up by permit issues.
The Brazilians are reported to have completed a deal to sign the 22-year-old winger in January before loaning him back to the BetKing Ethiopian Premier League club.
He was said to be set to link up with his new teammates for pre-season, but currently remains at home in Ethiopia.
Mamo told KickOff: “Abubeker remains here in Addis Ababa up to now and the reason given is that they are processing the work permit.
“With us, all financial-related matters due to us have been completed and the player is no longer ours anymore even though he is still here in Addis Ababa.
“I suppose this work permit is being done by Sundowns because I don’t know how these things are done in South Africa.”
Mamo added: “I have no doubt that he will excel in South Africa because he will now be exposed to better facilities there even though he will be playing in a club with better facilities.
“I hope he will adapt to the environment in South Africa.”
