New Khune Chiefs twist
AMAKHOSI: AFTER PROLONGED TUG-OF-WAR, DUO COMES CRAWLING BACK
Marquee signing Siyanda Xulu vows to fight his way back into contention for Bafana Bafana.
Itumeleng Khune and Mandla Masango look close to returning to Kaizer Chiefs with tails firmly between their legs, after Amakhosi confirmed yesterday that both had started fresh discussions with the club.
Chiefs had previously announced that Khune and Masango would not be staying at Chiefs when their contracts expire at the end this month, with Chiefs chair- man Kaizer Motaung basically accusing the pair of asking for too much money.
Khune and Masango, however, returned to the Chiefs Village on Monday looking to train under new coach Steve Komphela and it seems that they are on the brink of a dramatic U-turn.
“Itu and Mandla came yesterday with the intent to train, but there is a cloud around their contractual issues,” said football manager Bobby Motaung.
“We engaged them personally to find out their state of mind in terms of where they are and what they are looking forward to. Both players are still not sure what they want, so we agreed with both players to go home and relax. When they are ready and have found what they truly want as players, they can talk to us. We had a heart to heart chat, this gives them time.”
Khune is believed to have negotiated with Chiefs previously in the belief that his agent was going to get him a move to Europe. But this has yet to materialise while
The Citizen understands that the 28-year-old is not keen to move to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Orlando Pirates were another possible destination for Khune, but they have just signed Equatorial Guinean keeper Felipe Ovono.
With regards to Masango, Chiefs say he has admitted to being confused by the advice he has been getting from outside parties.
“He (Masango) made it clear that he is getting people trying to advise him and that it causes confusion for him,” said Motaung.
“That is why he said he needs to go home, take time off, reflect and make a call. People have even been approaching us, some say they are his managers, but he claims he doesn’t have a manager or an agent. He needs time to recoup and make his decision.”
Amakhosi, meanwhile, confi the signing of five new players yesterday – defenders Daniel Cardoso, Siyanda Xulu and Keegan Ritchie, along with strikers Camaldine Abraw and Bongani Ndulula. Lucky Baloyi returns to the first team squad after a loan spell at Moroka Swallows, while Andisile Ntsila and Sibongiseni Ngcobo are promoted from Chiefs’ development structures.
Xulu is the marquee signing, joining Chiefs on a three-year deal, after managing to get himself released from his contract at Russia’s FC Rostov. “I wanted to play, I wanted to come back home and get back into shape and into the Bafana team and I will take it from there,” said Xulu.