Stellenbosch FC have reignited their pursuit of TS Galaxy midfielder Thato Khiba as they aim to strengthen their squad.
Last month, coach Steve Barker acknowledged the need to bolster his team, particularly in the attacking and midfield departments.
“We are in need of a striker and are currently looking at certain options. Hopefully, we can strengthen our squad with a player in the middle or another winger that we desperately need,” said Barker following their 1-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in December last year at DHL Cape Town Stadium.
Khiba has featured in 13 matches for the Rockets this season. Stellenbosch have identified the need for reinforcements with a more demanding fixture list ahead. Khiba appears to be their primary target.
Sources indicate that the Cape Winelands-based club has already submitted a formal bid for the 28-year-old footballer.
WHY THATO KHIBA’S MOVE TO STELLENBOSCH FC FAILED LAST SEASON
Last season, Stellenbosch expressed strong interest in signing the former Kaizer Chiefs player, but their pursuit ultimately proved unsuccessful.
According to sources close to the matter, negotiations for Khiba’s move to Stellenbosch collapsed when the player’s representatives and the club could not agree on personal terms.
However, the 2023/24 Carling Knockout Cup winners and Galaxy had agreed to sell Khiba. The deal did not materialise because of personal terms between the player and the Maroon Army.
The talented midfielder is still contracted to the Mpumalanga-based side. He signed a three-year deal with an option to extend by a further two years when he joined Galaxy after cutting ties with Marumo Gallants when they were relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
With Khiba’s move to Stellies likely to happen, the player would add value to Barker’s side, having also represented teams such as Chiefs, the now-defunct Uthongathi FC, and African All Stars.
RELATED STORY: How Sead Ramovic impacted Thato Khiba’s game
