Claasen passes Hunt’s muster for Wits

Clever Boys beef up squad for new season

Daylon Claasen is a player Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt is expecting to provide those killer, final passes to create opportunities in front of goal for the Clever Boys next season.

Wits confirmed Claasen as their new acquisition yesterday after the player had been linked with a move to Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs. He was a free agent after leaving German second-tier outfit 1860 Munich. The 27-year-old signed a three-year deal.

Wits, who have mastered the art of getting players for free, are also set to sign central midfielder Thamsanqa Sangweni from Chippa United. This would create even more competition in central midfield, where there’s talented players such as Thabang Monare, Ben Motshwari, Xola Mlambo and Phumlani Ntshangase.

“I feel with [Mogakolodi] Ngele going, we need that pass. Every team needs that final ball and he [Claasen] can give us that. When you are winning, you still need to strengthen and introduce a few young players as well,” said Hunt.

“He [Sangweni] is with us, but they are [still] negotiating.”

Claasen has often been compared to his hero Steven Pienaar, but he could not quite make the same mark as the former Everton player in Europe.

Claasen has previously played in Holland, Belgium, Poland and Germany.

Hunt, meanwhile, made it clear they will not sell young star Phakamani Mahlambi.

“We are not looking to sell him. He has not had even game time. He needs more games to be better.”

Nigerian Ejike Uzoenyi looks set to leave the club after joining them in February.