Bafana defender searching for club after leaving Tovuz

Bafana Bafana defender Siyanda Xulu has revealed he is searching for a new club after leaving Turan Tovuz of Azerbaijan as the defender’s contract expired at the end of June.

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The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs central defender, Xulu took to social media to break the news of his exit from Tovuz.

Xulu was in the latest Bafana squad that defeated Morocco in the CAF African Cup of Nations Qualifiers at FNB Stadium two weeks ago as he was still part of Tovuz.

BAFANA DEFENDER XULU LEAVES TOVUZ

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The KwaZulu-Natal-born Bafana defender, Xulu is clearly saddened by developments in his future and has embarked on a club search to secure his future.

While he will not run short of admirers, Xulu is praised for his technical ability and a possible return to the DStv Premiership could be on the cards.

“It is with great sadness that I announce the end of an amazing journey with Turan Tovuz,” the Bafana defender wrote on social media.

“It’s a bitter sweet moment for me because I had an amazing season with the team but unfortunately my contract has come to an end.

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“I’m forever grateful to the team and the loyal fans I’ve made during my tenure. Thank you for the great experience and opportunity. (Ativan) ”

Also known as Gxabhashe, the former Chiefs and Sundowns stopper Xulu featured in 25 appearances in the Premier Liga following his switch from Hapoel Tel Aviv in August.

DEFENDER XULU MIGHT STILL CONTINUE PLAYING ABROAD

The 31-year-old defender recently made his concerns known as far as the number of local players plying their trades abroad.

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Based on his recent remarks, the Bafana star will likely consider searching for a club abroad and continuing to grow his football.

“I always thought plying your trade overseas gets you out of your comfort zone and it improves you as a player,” Xulu said per TimesLIVE.

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“We are seeing now with Morocco, about 90% of their players are playing in Europe. That’s why they are able to compete at the highest level — it is one thing we need to make sure we try to do as South Africans.

“We need to import more players so we can compete with bigger countries. Those countries have more players playing in the Champions League and Europa League.”

Xulu has cemented his place in the national side, Bafana under coach Hugo Broos and joins Thibang Phete as a free agent after leaving Al-Bataeh SC in the United Arab Emirates.

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