How moving to Azerbaijan helped Siyanda Xulu regain his form

Bafana Bafana vice-captain Siyanda Xulu has opened up on how moving to Azerbaijan Premier League side Turan Tovuz helped him regain his performance even at the national team.

Xulu spent a larger part of last season as a free agent following a horror exit from Israel topflight side Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Since joining Turan Tovuz, Xulu has been impressive and solid at the back.

Xulu has established his place in the starting eleven as he’s been displaying consistent performances whenever in the field.

This season he has made 20 league appearances, started 17 matches and was subbed in three times.

MOVING TO AZERBAIJAN

“I knew very well that me going out there, playing week in, week out was going to be handful even for Bafana Bafana. All I needed from that time was just to play,” said Xulu.

“It’s very good for me that I’m back and playing my best football. That’s one thing that was important for me.

“Obviously, the league is different, much higher level than in South Africa. We got teams playing in the UEFA Champions League and we got teams playing in the Europa league.

WHAT XULU AND DINO NDLOVU SPOKE ABOUT

The 31-year-old further revealed that he spoke to his compatriot Dino Ndlovu prior to signing the deal to get some background information about the league.

“I spoke to him [Dino Ndlovu] before I signed for the team in Azerbaijan , he told me about the league. The standard is much higher, there are foreigners from different countries,” he added.

FOCUS ON AFCON QUALIFIERS

Xulu’s attention is with the national team ahead of crucial back-to-back must-win Afcon qualifiers against Liberia. Victories will see Bafana Bafana book a spot for the 2024 finals in Ivory Coast.

The first leg will be played on Friday 24 March at Orlando Stadium. The second leg takes place four days later on Tuesday 28 March at Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.

Both encounters kickoff at 6pm.

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