Bafana Bafana defender Siyanda Xulu’s move to Al Wehda collapsed at the final moment. However, two clubs in Saudi Arabia remain interested in his services.
The 32-year-old centre-back was poised to join Josef Zinnbauer’s side on a free transfer.
FARPost understands the club had been keen on bringing the KwaMashu-born defender on board since he became a free agent this transfer window.
HOW SIYANDA XULU’S MOVE TO AL WEHDA FELL THROUGH
While many within the club, including the president, were supportive of the move, it encountered a hurdle when Zinnbauer decided against the signing.
“The president of the club was the first to be interested in the player when he was presented to the club in July,” said a source.
“However, trust me, it’s the coach who said no to the move, and that’s why it couldn’t go through.”
It’s understood that the German coach has the authority to decide on player transfers.
TWO SAUDI CLUBS STILL INTERESTED IN EX-SUPERSPORT DEFENDER
Despite the failed move to Al Wehda, it seems Xulu still has suitors, with two other Saudi Arabian clubs in talks with the defender’s camp.
The Saudi transfer deadline day is September 2nd. However, given that Xulu was unattached before the start of the season, he can still be signed by any club, even after the window closes.
Xulu became a free agent after departing SuperSport United at the end of the previous season, with one year remaining in his contract.
He ended a one-season stay in Tshwane, having signed for the side at the start of the 2023/24 season.
‘Magazi’ was part of Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad that secured a third-place finish at AFCON in Ivory Coast earlier this year.
Throughout his career, he has turned out for Mamelodi Sundowns, Rostov, Kaizer Chiefs, Durban City FC [formerly Maritzburg United], Hapoel Tel Aviv and Turan Tovuz.
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