The story behind the scenes

Fadlu holds the key…

Very few players hid their disappointment when Davids was relieved of his duties by Maritzburg in December last year, and Xulu was among that group. The bond between player and coach was evident and could play a big part again if Pirates up the ante in their pursuit of the defender. It would be a big test for the 27-year-old to return to another Soweto giant given how his move to Amakhosi turned sour. Would he make the same mistake twice? His statements about where his career was headed last year suggest not, but with Davids there to hold his hand, maybe that changes the nature of the conversations behind the scenes.

Who would make way at Pirates?

The Davids connection aside, Xulu would still have to fight for his place at the club if he joins. And the Buccaneers have hardly tinkered with the centre-back pairing of captain Happy Jele and Alfred Ndengane, while Ntsikelelo Nyauza and Marshall Munetsi remain on stand-by as cover in case of injuries or suspension. Jele’s contract is yet to be renewed, but indications are that he is not going anywhere, though at 33 he is winding down his career. Ndengane is also 33.

There are question marks on Nyauza’s future because of his lack of game- time, but Siya sources informed the crew last month that he does still have a long-term contract at Pirates and is still only 28-year-old, while Munetsi’s offer from a club in the US was rejected so the 22-year-old could stay longer at the club and continue to develop.

With both Ndengane and Jele on the wrong side of 30, he would be seen as a replacement for the two players, though he would be expected to earn his spot.

The SuperSport switch…

More recently, right back Grant Kekana has been converted to a centre-back alongside Clayton Daniels by coach Kaitano Tembo while Morgan Gould, Bongani Khumalo and Billy Mutale, who naturally play in that position, have watched from the sidelines. If anything, that is as clear an indicator that Matsatsantsa are in need of a player of Xulu’s stature and quality. Siya sources have suggested that SuperSport are keeping a close watch on the Maritzburg defender and could look to bring him to Tshwane at the end of the season. But they are likely to fight it out with Pirates and maybe even Wits considering the price tag that’s been slapped on Xulu. However, given that their current centre-backs are struggling for game-time and some, like Gould and Khumalo, have not yet had their contracts renewed, SuperSport could be more ideal for Xulu.

New coach at Chiefs…

While Siya sources have made it clear that the priority for Amakhosi is in attack, don’t rule out Chiefs looking at Xulu should they go into the market for a centre-back. Ernst Middendorp is in charge now, meaning the man in charge during Xulu’s frustrating spell, Steve Komphela, has long since moved on.

Could Downs be in the picture?

There has been no talk of Sundowns showing interest to date, but indications are that they were keen when he signed for Chiefs on his return from Rostov, a side that had bought him from the Brazilians in 2012. With Wayne Arendse and Soumahoro Bangaly still unclear about their futures, the club could look to one of their former players to reinforce the team.

Wits will be aware, City need a centre-back…

The Clever Boys have been known to chop and change, and at the right price, it is likely that they will be sniffing around to see if Maritzburg could sell Xulu to them. There are players who face uncertainly at Wits in Edwin Gyimah and Dennis Weidlich. Then there’s Cape Town City, who have struggled at centre-back since Robyn Johannes left to join Wits this season. The Citizens were keen on Xulu before he moved to Maritzburg, and given a chance, they will not ignore that price tag.

With Edmilson Dove played in central defence lately as a stopgap, they will be looking again for a permanent solution.