AmaZulu chairman: Sithebe wasn’t ‘happy’ to stay

Sithebe is thought to be edging ever closer to his long-rumoured move to Chiefs this January. The 28-year-old midfielder has been a key member of the Usuthu squad over the past few seasons with his performances earning him a call-up to Bafana Bafana.

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Yet, widespread reports have not gone away as it increasingly appears Amakhosi are close to completing the signing of the former Mbombela United player.

According to KickOff, all necessary paperwork has been completed and he is expected to be unveiled by Amakhosi in the coming days.

“The only thing left is for Chiefs to finalise an agreement with AmaZulu,” a source revealed.

“Sithebe has even already chosen his jersey number that he will be wearing at his new club,” the source added.

At the start of this year, Zungu admitted to Soccer Laduma that he was facing a dilemma in this instance, especially when it comes to deciding whether or not to play Sithebe at AmaZulu in the second half of the season.

However, he has now confirmed to KickOff that the decision has been taken out of his hands.

“Yes, Sithebe and his contract situation, which ends in June this year, will definitely be not be extended.

“Clearly, he’s not happy to stay at the club, and we respect that. As to where he’s going, I don’t know.

“We are resigned to the fact that talks with AmaZulu have ended, and his contract will not be extended.

“To the AmaZulu faithful, they will probably not see Sithebe wearing an AmaZulu jersey in a competitive match again.

“We may actually keep him in the team, he may train like everyone else, or we may loan him out.

“We are of a view that he’s not committed to the team beyond his term of contract, which we respect.

“Sithebe has done wonders for the team, and we are very grateful for his contribution thus far, and he’s a true professional, and we have nothing but praise for him.

“We’re just disappointed he can’t be with the team for a longer time.”

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SIYETHEMBA SITHEBE HAS 8 GOALS FOR AMAZULU

Sithebe has played a total of 132 matches for AmaZulu in all competitions since signing from Mbombela United in mid-2017.

He has scored eight goals for Usuthu.

AmaZulu, who finished last season as runners-up in the DStv Premiership, haven’t fared as well this time around.

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They have 27 points from 20 matches this campaign and lie 17 points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns having played one more match.

AmaZulu’s league-leading 20 matches is as many as three more than the teams immediately below them in the standings.

Benni McCarthy’s side will next be in action at home against TS Galaxy on Wednesday, 16 February.

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