Thato Khiba’s agent, Nimrod Mbhalati, has shed light on the key factors that drove the midfielder’s recent switch to Betway Premiership side Sekhukhune United from Stellenbosch FC.
The 29-year-old was officially unveiled by Babina Noko this past Friday. He arrived alongside Lesiba Nku, who also joined the Limpopo-based outfit after parting ways with the Cape Winelands side.
The former Kaizer Chiefs player joined Stellenbosch in January 2025, arriving from Mpumalanga-based outfit TS Galaxy.
Khiba’s deal was part of a strategic movement that included a swap involving Wonderboy Makhubu, who had been on loan at Magesi FC from the Eric Tinkler-coached side, Sekhukhune.
Before the move, Khiba had been a consistent performer, clocking 21 appearances across all competitions this season, contributing two goals and an assist.
THATO KHIBA’S AGENT OPENS UP ON HIS MOVE TO SEKHUKHUNE UNITED
Speaking to FARPost, Mbhalati emphasised that while the transfer came together rapidly, the emotional connection to the club made it an easy choice for the player, as Khiba previously played for Sekhukhune feeder team, African All Stars in the Gauteng ABC Motsepe League.
Beyond the sentimental value, Mbhalati believes that being close to his roots will help Khiba reach his peak performance.
“My brother, you know, such things happen in football. This was a last-minute move, hey. Sekhukhune United pushed to have this boy, and they made sure they got it done before the window closed [January transfer],” Mbhalati told FARPost.
“When he heard that Sekhukhune wanted him, he didn’t think twice because, anyway, that’s a homecoming for him. Remember, Thato played for African All Stars, which is their feeder team. This is something that a lot of people don’t know.
“Sekhukhune is a great club with high ambitions, so I think that since Thato will be home, it will be easy for him to focus because he won’t be homesick and will be fully focused. He will be home next to his family, so it was an easy decision to make.”
With Khiba’s experience, it is evident that Sekhukhune has gained a player who is capable of anchoring the midfield as they push for a top-three finish in the Betway Premiership.
Meanwhile, for Khiba, the move represents more than just a change of colours; it is a return to the environment where his football career was also nurtured.
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