REVEALED | Why Kaizer Chiefs made U-turn on this player’s future 

 Last week, it was reported by this publication that Kaizer Chiefs were ready to renew Sifiso Hlanti’s deal. 

Hlanti has been at Chiefs for three seasons now, having joined during Stuart Baxter’s short second stint. 

It is thought Hlanti was signed on and loaned to Moroka Swallows by former coach Gavin Hunt. This was during the Chiefs transfer ban which means they could not register players. For the veteran left-back, he has hardly set the world alight in an Amakhosi jersey prompting many to want him out.

Hlanti to stay at Chiefs?

Just last season, it was believed that Chiefs were ready to left him go, before a quick change of heart. That then saw club management decide to keep Hlanti on a new one-year deal with an option for a further year. It was then thought that with the dreadful season the club has endured again, he would certainly not survive. 

According to the latest reports, Chiefs are set to keep Hlanti, and not because of his performances. Soccer-Laduma sources seem to suggest they’re doing so because it’s becoming increasingly difficult to secure a replacement. 

Because they can’t secure a replacement?

“They don’t want to be caught off guard when the season starts. It’s better they have someone they know for sure will be there. That’s why they have exercised Hlanti’s one year option. For now we can say the deal is as good as done as it’s imminent because they need an experienced left back before they run out of time,”. said the source. 

Next season was thought to be the beginning of a rebuild at Chiefs with a new coach and technical staff. That was expected to provide a playing overhaul as well. But if they’re keeping players who they know are surplus to requirements and can’t secure their targets, that cannot be encouraging.