London  - Portsmouth midfielder Aaron Mokoena admitted on Monday that uncertainty over the club's ownership is taking its toll on the players.

Dubai businessman Sulaiman Al Fahim was in the directors' box as the club's chairman to see Portsmouth lost 1-0 to Fulham on Saturday, but three months after his putative takeover of the club from Sacha Gaydamak was first announced, it is yet to be finalised.

"There has been a lot of speculation about the club but we as players have to make sure that it doesn't affect us," Mokoena told dpa. "But it is difficult to deal with.

"But our job is to do the business on the field. We never even talk about it. The manager never even touches on it either.

"We will never use it as an excuse. We are professional players and senior players, too.

"Only the chairman can answer the questions about the club, but I think we showed against Fulham that our attitude is right."

Portsmouth have sold almost 80 million pounds-worth (130.8 million dollars) of players since the start of last summer, and are left with a first-team squad of just 19.

Mokoena was one of four new arrivals in the summer, none of whom cost a fee.

"For me, it was important that I had a good debut," he said.

"For all the players, it was important we showed a good performance and I think we did that.

"The fans were great and it's up to us as players to give them what they deserve. I've played here before and it's such a hard place to come.

As a player, you need supporters like that behind you. They deserve more."

Al Fahim's spokesman Ivo Gabaro insisted the takeover will happen soon.

"Sulaiman was encouraged by what he saw, and enjoyed the game," he said.

"There was a good atmosphere, and he is looking forward to attending many more games as chairman.

"The takeover is still on course, and in fact has never strayed off course." (dpa)