Siyethemba Sithebe’s failed Kaizer Chiefs move cost him R500 000!

Siyethemba Sithebe’s failed move from AmaZulu to Kaizer Chiefs during the January transfer window has reportedly cost the midfielder close to R500 000 in earnings!

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Sithebe was widely expected to be Kaizer Chiefs’ big-name signing during the transfer window, but that proved not to be the case as the month ended.

Sithebe’s current AmaZulu deal is set to expire at the end of the current season in June this year, after which he will head to Naturena having signed a pre-contract to join the Soweto giants on 1 July.

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There were conflicting reports out of the KwaZulu-Natal side as to whether Sithebe would feature again for them this season – or be frozen out.

Club boss Sandile Zungu said Sithebe would absolutely not represent the club again, while there were suggestions coach Benni McCarthy was prepared to select him.

Sithebe was set for a salary hike at Kaizer Chiefs

According to sources close to Amakhosi, Sithebe is set for a pay rise of more than R50 000 at Kaizer Chiefs.

That means R50 000 times six months, plus bonuses, gives a total of around the half a million rand mark in lost revenue.

“Besides the club saying they will not play him, this move has also cost him close to R500 000 in earnings over the next six months,” a source revealed to Kickoff.

“This is besides a salary increase, also including bonuses that he was set to earn at Kaizer Chiefs between now and June.

“AmaZulu tried to match the Chiefs offer, but it was too late and the player had already made up his mind.

“It’s just unfortunate that besides losing the opportunity of making money, the club is saying they will not play him,” the source added.

Sithebe missed AmaZulu’s 1-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 on Sunday.

Benni McCarthy will no doubt be keen to have Sithebe on board as the club pushes for as high a finish as possible this season.

AmaZulu are currently in fifth place on 27 points after 20 matches.

Usuthu will next be in action in their CAF Champions League group stage clash away against Morocco’s Raja Casablanca on Saturday, 12 February at 21:00 SA time.

Watch this space whether Sithebe will be involved!

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