CONFIRMED: Details of Hlatshwayo’s SuperSport deal revealed

It’s now been confirmed that Hlatshwayo has officially made the move to SuperSport United, with the former Pirates and Bafana captain having already started training under new coach Gavin Hunt.

The former Bafana captain enjoyed memorable stints with Ajax Cape Town, Wits and then Pirates, but he was released from the Buccaneers squad earlier this year.

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Interestingly, he has now found a new home at SuperSport, where he will be coached by newly-appointed Gavin Hunt.

SuperSport revealed the following statement about the deal:

SuperSport United is delighted to announce the arrival of former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana captain Thulani Hlatshwayo on a one-year deal with an option to renew.

The 32-year old reunites with head coach Gavin Hunt after a wonderful spell at Bidvest Wits between 2014 and 2020, winning the league title as well as the Telkom-Knock Out trophy.

Hlatshwayo comes to the club with a wealth of experience having played over 300 domestic games and captained Bafana Bafana with just over 30 caps under his belt.

Head coach, Gavin Hunt is excited about the club’s new acquisition, “The signing of Tyson is a wonderful addition for the club and he comes with a lot of experience. He was the Bafana Bafana captain as well as my captain at Bidvest Wits, we won trophies together and he’s definitely ready to get working and to get going again. It’s a huge opportunity for him and for us at the club.”

Thulani Hlatshwayo adds: “SuperSport United is a team that is known to win trophies and I hope I can share my experience which means I have to equally work hard. There is competition in the team which is good for the energy around the players as well as keeping the togetherness and I will make sure I earn my right to play.”

PIRATES WISHED HLATSHWAYO WELL AFTER LEAVING THE CLUB EARLIER THIS YEAR

A leader amongst men, Tyson has always sought to make a meaningful contribution wherever he plays, and this is what has ultimately influenced his decision to request the Club to grant him his request to leave.

Hlatshwayo said: “My dream to wear the black and white jersey of Orlando Pirates has been fulfilled.

“When I came here, I said I wanted a trophy, and we were able to deliver on that mandate. Unfortunately, the second season didn’t work out the way I wanted it to, and this is what has informed my decision to request the Club to grant me my wish of leaving because I still have a lot to give and a lot to offer in the field of play. This is something that I shared with Management.”

In a career that spans over 13 years, the Hlatshwayo name has contributed to the success of every club he has played for. So, it was no surprise that when the Soweto-born defender joined the Mighty Buccaneers in 2020; he was able to help guide his boyhood club to the MTN8 title in his first season.

“We had some positive talks (with Management) but with everything taken into careful consideration I have decided it’s the right time for me to leave the Club,” added Hlatshwayo.

“I will forever be grateful to the Chairman and the Club for granting me this wish. The Club and I have always had a fantastic relationship, which will continue beyond my playing days.

“For me, today is a new chapter filled with many emotions. There’s a sense of pride, sadness and also optimism towards the future.

“Finally, to the fans, I would personally like to thank you for all the support.”

On behalf of the entire Orlando Pirates family, we would like to thank Tyson for his meaningful contribution and professionalism during his stay. We wish you nothing but the best as you enter the next chapter in your footballing career.

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