Just a day after Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki made it clear Stellenbosch FC’s talismanic midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa was on their wishlist, there is an exciting update for Amakhosi fans.
Chiefs have continued their rebuild, with Ntseki taking charge of the team this season.
The Soweto giants have already brought in eight new faces to Naturena. Edson Castillo, Given Msimango, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Jasond González, Mduduzi Mdantsane, Pule Mmodi, Tebogo Potsane and Ranga Chivaviro all joined Chiefs.
Castillo is fast becoming a talisman of sorts, with Msimango and Ditlhokwe stabilising the defence.
Mmodi has already chipped in with three goals, while Potsane and Mdantsane are also finding their feet at Naturena.
Nonetheless, Ntseki noted they were still eager to strengthen their team further before the transfer window closes on 22 September 2023.
Interestingly, the only name he mentioned was that of Mthethwa, who has become a vital cog in Stellies’ engine room.
WHAT MOLEFI NTSEKI SAID ABOUT SIBONGISENI MTHETHWA
“The important thing is he’s a good quality player; we’d love to have him any time, whenever he’s available, whenever we have the resources to bring him in. He’s a good player,” Ntseki told journalists during a media open-day at Naturena on Thursday. The former Bafana Bafana coach had been asked whether they were interested in the 28-year-old midfielder.
“In our player audit, we’ve put in many players, though we’ve never gone public about them,” he added.
“It’s normal for a team such as Kaizer Chiefs to be looking for quality players to strengthen the team.
“So, the name of Mthethwa is also making the rounds about him coming to Chiefs, and there have been many other players spoken to about coming to Kaizer Chiefs.”
THE LATEST ON SIBONGISENI MTHETHWA TO KAIZER CHIEFS
Information reaching FARPost is that Amakhosi have since submitted an official bid for the midfielder.
The Winelands outfit must now look at the offer and revert to Chiefs, who are said to be eager to close the deal before the transfer window closes next Friday.
The former Black Leopards midfielder has just under a year left on his contract, although there is an option to extend.
Stellies will undoubtedly want to exercise that option, given Mthethwa’s performances that have earned him many admirers.
During the COSAFA Cup in July, the man nicknamed ‘Ox’ told the media that he was ready to make a step up in his career.
“What I can say is that I’m open to playing in whichever part of the country if that’s where the next challenge comes from,” Mthethwa said in July.
“I can’t say it has to be KwaZulu-Natal just because it’s closer to home. As long as I’m able to work, that’s fine with me. I just need to work to feed my family.”
His remarks suggest he is keen to take up a new challenge by joining a club like Chiefs.
However, it will all depend on whether the two clubs agree. There is a sense that roping in Mthethwa would free up Castillo to take up a more advanced role.
The Venezuelan’s midfield partner, Yusuf Maart, is also more comfortable as an eight. A traditional number six in the mould of Mthethwa would be a different profile of a midfielder for Ntseki.
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