Shock Bafana Bafana star is a wanted man in three continents including Europe!

Bafana Bafana stars seem to still be benefiting from their run at the 2023 Afcon in the Ivory Coast. 

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The South Africans defied the odds, by finishing third and claiming the third spot in the continental showpiece. 

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That brought an end to a rather successful campaign for a Bafana side that left South Africa with little fanfare. Hugo Broos’ men started off in rather shaky and disappointing fashion, losing 2-0 to eventual group winners Mali. They would quickly dust themselves off by beating neighbours Namibia 4-0. They would conclude their group campaign with a 0-0 draw against Tunisia, securing second place.

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That didn’t seem to do Bafana Bafana any favours, however, as they were pitted against Morocco. They equipped themselves well against the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finalist, winning 2-0. Having knocked out the top team in Africa and the tournament, the confidence was high. What would be next was a brilliant Ronwen Williams penalty shootout performance to beat Cape Verde. 

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Unfortunately for Bafana, it would be a penalty shootout that would knock them out next, losing to Nigeria. But at that point, they had already earned hero status back home. One player that seemed to be an enemy back home was Siyanda Xulu. The centre back was scapegoated for the opening 2-0 loss to Mali and was dropped after. 

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Xulu did eventually return to decent effect in the semifinal against Nigeria and then the third\fourth play off. His three appearances seem to have impressed according to FARPost.

Xulu attracts European interest

“The Bafana Bafana and SuperSport United centre-back Siyanda Xulu has caught the interest of the unnamed club in the Saudi Pro League, while the two sides in the country’s second tier have been long-time admirers of the 32-year-old. FARPost understands the interest still remains, and now, with the club from the top-flight having joined the race.Further, he’s on the radar of a Russian club where he played between 2012 and 2015. His understanding of the Russian language comes as a selling point for the defender. The source added that a club that plies its trade in the Morocco Botola Pro has also prepared an enticing offer for the former Kaizer Chiefs man.” Wrote the publication.

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This interest could come as a surprise to most, seeing as though Xulu was not a Bafana regular at Afcon. Nor has he been a SuperSport United starter.