Golden Arrows have beaten AmaZulu and Richards Bay to the signature of Marumo Gallants defender Sicelokuhle Hlatshwayo on a free transfer.
iDiski Times last week reported that the player was set to cut ties with the Limpopo side.
A few days later, the 28-year-old defender announced his departure from Gallants after agreeing with the club to terminate his contract.
FOREVER GRATEFUL
“To Marumo Gallants family and the people who always show their support towards as well as the fans of Gallants FC! Kea leboha [I thank you],” Hlatshwayo wrote on social media last week.
“I would like to express gratitude, not taking lightly the opportunity the team has given me to play in the Caf, Compact Cup, and Nedbank Cup, and the accolades I got while playing for the team. I will forever be grateful for what the team has done for me and my career.”
Arrows, Richards Bay and his former coach, Romain Folz’s AmaZulu, were all keen on his services.
However, a source within the corridors of Arrows has told FARPost that the player has agreed to join them on a three-year deal.
“We’re aware AmaZulu and Richards Bay were keen on his services, but he has arrived in Durban and will definitely be joining us. He’s in Durban as we speak,” the Arrows source told FARPost.
MASSIVE LOSS
Hlatshwayo is a massive loss to Gallants after starting off strongly this season. He featured in seven of their league fixtures this season, picking up two man-of-the-match accolades.
His man-of-the-match displays came against Royal AM, which ended in a 2-2 draw and the goalless draw against Richards Bay.
He stopped training recently as the two parties started his exit talks. Arrows have let in 15 goals in the opening 13 games of the season. They have shown signs of a team that lacks leadership in defence.
Hlatshwayo could provide a bit of that in their backline. He has good height, and he is calm on the ball.
