Siyanda Xulu’s agent, Lebogang ‘Guluva’ Mashishi, has explained why the veteran defender’s anticipated move to the Armenian Premier League failed to materialise.
The former Bafana Bafana international has been unattached since July 2024, following his departure from the now-defunct Betway Premiership side SuperSport United.
Xulu spent a season with Matsatsantsa after returning to South Africa from Azerbaijani outfit Turan Tovuz in July 2023.
During his tenure at Matsatsantsa under Gavin Hunt, he made 16 appearances across all competitions and was a key member of the Bafana squad that secured a bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
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Speaking exclusively to FARPost, Mashishi clarified that although a “deal in principle” had been reached, the formal offer failed to reflect the terms promised prior to their arrival in Armenia.
And despite the collapse of the move, Mashishi chose to keep the club’s identity confidential to protect professional relationships.
“He just came back about two weeks ago from Armenia. There was a deal in principle with a club in Armenia, but when we got there, we found out that the deal was not as it had been outlined for us,” Mashishi told FARPost.
“He had been in Armenia since late January. The club was doing their mini pre-season there because their league resumes normally towards the end of February. So, he did the mini pre-season, but what we had planned did not materialise.
“In that case, we decided not to take the offer put on the table and chose to come back home to regroup and wait for the next opportunity. I don’t want to reveal the name of the club because the club’s president and I have a good relationship, and I know he will see something like this. But it’s a Premier League club in Armenia that was playing in the UEFA Conference League.”
Xulu, whose career includes stints in Russia and Israel, remains a free agent and is eligible to sign with any club outside of the transfer window, as he is unattached to any team.
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