Golden Arrows have parted ways with defender Sicelokuhle Hlatshwayo following the end of the 2024/25 PSL season, FARPost has learnt.
The experienced centre-back has now ended an almost three-season stint with Abafana Bes’thende, having joined the club in November 2022 after his move from fellow Betway Premiership side, Marumo Gallants.
However, the 31-year-old defender’s time at Arrows has been far from enjoyable, as he consistently struggled to secure game time, especially over the past two seasons.
While his first seven months with the Durban-based outfit offered some hope, with the player making 15 appearances across all competitions, things, out of the blue, took a sharp downturn.
In the 2023/24 season, his involvement plummeted to just two appearances, but at some point, his progress was also hampered by an injury.
And in the recently concluded season, the former Jomo Cosmos man, Hlatshwayo, was completely excluded, not featuring in a single match. His sole appearance on the team list was as an unused substitute in a 0-0 Betway Premiership draw against Polokwane City FC.
HLATSHWAYO LOOKING TO START NEW CHAPTER ELSEWHERE
Looking to start a new chapter elsewhere, Hlatshwayo has departed Arrows, according to FARPost sources. It is understood that the player has been granted a clearance, making him available to clubs that could be interested in his services ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Hlatshwayo, before his struggles for playing time, was heavily linked with Orlando Pirates in 2023, though the move ultimately didn’t materialise.
Gladwin Shitolo and Themba Mantshiyane have been the preferred centre-backs throughout this season. However, since Mantshiyane suffered an injury, Shitolo has been playing along with Ayanda Jiyane, Keenan Phillips and Shadrack Kobedi.
Jiyane and Kobedi recently joined the team from the now-defunct Royal AM. Others who joined along with them are Thabo Matlaba, Philani Sithebe, Xolani Ngcobo, Sabelo Sithole, Ayabulela Maxwele and Siphesihle Msomi.
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