SuperSport United Part Ways with Bafana Bafana Vice-Captain Siyanda Xulu

SuperSport United has amicably ended its contract with Bafana Bafana vice-captain Siyanda Xulu after a challenging season. Xulu seeks a new team to secure regular playing time and regain his position in the national team.

SuperSport United and Bafana Bafana vice-captain Siyanda Xulu have mutually agreed to part ways following a season filled with challenges for the seasoned defender. This decision, reported by FARPost, comes despite Xulu having a year left on his contract with SuperSport United, a contract he signed in July 2023.

The primary reason behind this separation was Xulu’s lack of game time under the management of Gavin Hunt. Xulu, determined to find more opportunities on the field, approached the club’s management to discuss his situation. After these discussions, both parties concluded that it was best for Xulu to seek new opportunities where he could play more regularly.

During the past season, Xulu made only 16 appearances for SuperSport United across all competitions, with most of these appearances occurring in the first half of the campaign. His limited playtime became more pronounced after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he was part of the Bafana Bafana squad. This lack of game time has impacted his position in the national team, with other players like Siyabonga Ngezana emerging as potential permanent replacements.

Xulu is now on the lookout for a team that can offer him consistent playing time, which he hopes will help him reclaim his spot in Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad. The 32-year-old defender, known for his well-traveled career, has played for numerous teams both in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and internationally.

Starting his professional journey at Mamelodi Sundowns, Xulu later moved to Russia to join FC Rostov, where he spent three years. After his European stint, he returned to South Africa in 2015 to play for Kaizer Chiefs, although his time there was brief and did not meet expectations. He subsequently joined Maritzburg United, where his strong performances revitalized his career and earned him a recall to the national team.

Xulu’s career also saw him playing for Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel and Turan Tovuz in Azerbaijan before joining SuperSport United. His extensive experience and versatility make him a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster their defense.

As Xulu embarks on the next chapter of his career, his focus remains on finding a team that can provide him with the regular game time he needs to maintain his form and continue contributing to the national team.