Siyethemba Sithebe. Photo: Backpagepix
Transfer news: Have Kaizer Chiefs found a replacement for Siphiwe Tshabalala?
Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly keen to boost their midfielder stocks as the name of a previously identified target has resurfaced.
Siyethemba Sithebe. Photo: Backpagepix
Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly keen to boost their midfielder stocks as the name of a previously identified target has resurfaced.
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According to the latest reports, Kaizer Chiefs’ search for a midfield addition has taken them to Durban where they hope to raid Benni McCarthy’s AmaZulu for Siyethemba Sithebe.
Sithebe has been a prominent member of the AmaZulu side for several seasons now since joining them in 2017 and his consistent performances in the Usuthu midfield have not gone unnoticed.
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The dreadlocked star has seen his efforts rewarded with several call-ups to the Bafana Bafana squad, with his debut coming in a 1-1 draw against neighbours Namibia in October 2020.
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Hugo Broos’ eye is not the only one Sithebe has caught in that period, as he has consistently been linked with a move to Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs.
Kaizer Chiefs’ transfer ban saw talk die down
The links became more prominent two seasons ago, but the FIFA enforced transfer ban on Amakhosi saw all of that talk die down.
A change of managers at the helm may have also influenced that decision as former coach Gavin Hunt then opted for the free agent option of Phatutshedzo Nange before the ban brought those plans to a halt.
Kaizer Chiefs would then change managers again, which again seemed to quieten talk of Sithebe joining the club, with Amakhosi finally being able to register Nange and sign Cole Alexander.
On top of that, while Hunt did not see Kenyan international Akumu Agay as a midfielder, current coach Stuart Baxter restored him as a midfield option, before also converting new signing and last season’s DStv Premiership Defender of the Season, Njabulo Ngcobo, to a deep-lying midfielder.
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During the off-season though, The Citizen sources mentioned that Sithebe was open to a Kaizer Chiefs move should AmaZulu allow him to leave, as it would be a chance for the 28-year-old to fulfil a childhood dream.
“The boy (Sithebe) is a Chiefs fan, he grew up supporting the team and his favourite player was Siphiwe Tshabalala. So, I don’t know if you see where this thing is going, but I think it’s very clear,” the source continued.He didn’t make it a secret that he idolises Tshabalala, everybody knows that. He wants to be as successful as Tshabalala and be a good role model as him. Don’t be surprised when you see him being announced at Chiefs,” said the source.
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Now more concrete links have resurfaced with GladAfrica Championship analyst and journalist @Makonco_m taking to his official Twitter account to confirm that the Glamour Boys are in talks to sign Sithebe.
Although he mentions that Sithebe’s deal at AmaZulu is set to expire at the end of the season, he hinted that Kaizer Chiefs are looking to get the deal done as soon as possible – meaning in the January transfer window.
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In addition, Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu are also believed to be going toe-to-toe for Zambian midfield target Larry Bwalya.
It remains to be seen which of the two midfielders Amakhosi will land, although they would have to free up a foreign spot to be able to register Bwalya.
