Chippa United have secured the services of attacking midfielder Xolani Sithole for the 2026/27 season after exercising the option in his contract, FARPost has established.
The Gqeberha-based club activated the clause before the stipulated deadline, extending Sithole’s stay until June 2027.
Sithole joined the Chilli Boys from Pretoria Callies in 2024 and has since become a reliable member of the squad. He made 18 appearances across all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign after featuring in 16 matches in his debut season at the club. He scored one goal for the Eastern Cape side last season.
The decision to retain the 25-year-old forms part of Chippa’s squad planning ahead of the new season, with the club entering a new era under head coach Brandon Truter, who recently replaced Vusumuzi Vilakazi at the helm.
Several players are set to leave the club as the restructuring process gathers pace. Malebogo Modise is expected to report back to parent club Mamelodi Sundowns following the expiry of his loan spell, with the Brazilians still to decide on the full-back’s future. Somila Ntsundwana is also linked with an exit, while striker Eva Nga has already departed.
Retaining Sithole provides Chippa with continuity in the attacking midfield department as they prepare for the upcoming Betway Premiership campaign. The former Pretoria Callies player will be hoping to play an even bigger role under Truter next season.
CHIPPA CONTINUE SQUAD REBUILD WITH NEW ARRIVALS
The Eastern Cape outfit has also been active in the transfer market as they reshape the squad for the 2026/27 season.
The club recently lost influential midfielder Sinoxolo Kwayiba, who moved to Stellenbosch FC just six months after rejoining Chippa from Orlando Pirates. Chippa have strengthened their squad with the signing of highly rated left-back Imraan Jones from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Highbury FC.
The 23-year-old was one of Highbury’s standout performers last season as the club pushed for promotion before eventually finishing sixth. Jones previously came through the Stellenbosch FC development system and has also represented Hout Bay United and Mkhambathi FC.
The Chilli Boys are also on the verge of completing the signing of Kenyan goalkeeper Brian Bwire following his impending exit from Polokwane City at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Bwire joined Rise and Shine from Kenyan giants Tusker FC ahead of the 2024/25 campaign and now looks set to join the Chilli Boys.
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