Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch FC have finalised agreements for a high-profile player exchange involving Thato Khiba and striker Wonderboy Makhubu.
The deal sees creative midfielder, Khiba, move to Gauteng to join Babina Noko, while Makhubu heads in the opposite direction to join the Winelands outfit on a permanent basis.
The clubs have finalised the transfer details between themselves, and Makhubu has agreed to personal terms. The 29-year-old is expected to join his new teammates on Wednesday, while Khiba is also close to finalising his personal terms.
For Makhubu, the move to the Winelands club represents a fresh start and the long-term stability he has been seeking. Since joining Sekhukhune from Baroka FC in 2022, the talented forward has spent much of his tenure on loan, most recently with Magesi FC.
For Magesi this season, Makhubu has featured 14 times, scored one goal, and provided two assists. He reportedly pushed for a permanent move to Stellies. The striker has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, bringing his loan spell series to an end.
THATO KHIBA BOLSTERS ERIC TINKLER’S MIDFIELD
Heading to Sekhukhune is former Kaizer Chiefs youth player, Khiba, a player specifically targeted by head coach Eric Tinkler. Khiba joined Stellenbosch just a year ago from TS Galaxy and has been a model of consistency. This season alone, he has 22 appearances across all competitions. He has scored two goals and one assist.
The former TS Galaxy midfielder is known for his leadership, work rate, and composure. While Khiba was a key figure under the previous coach, new Stellenbosch mentor Gavin Hunt was open to letting him go.
The swap appears to be a win-win for both clubs. Babina Noko, who have been active this window with the signing of Lehlohonolo Mojela, are clearly looking to sharpen their technical quality in the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, Gavin Hunt is reshaping the Stellenbosch squad to fit his tactical blueprint, prioritising a permanent attacking option in Makhubu.
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