The hit list…
It will become clearer over the coming weeks what the future holds for Wits, but indications are that even if the sale of the club does not go through, the Braamfontein-based outfit will not be able to hold on to all of their big earners! We also asked the secret agent for their projected transfer value in the PSL…
Thulani Hlatshwayo
‘Tyson’ is understood to be the club’s highest earner following his bumper new contract in August last year to fend off Orlando Pirates’ hot pursuit of the Wits and Bafana Bafana captain to strengthen their centre-back position.
Since then, the Siya crew has reported extensively about the Buccaneers’ continued interest in his services, though Sundowns could hijack their interest if the Soweto giants don’t move quickly enough to get the deal over the line.
It’s no secret that the defender is ready for a fresh challenge, having told journalists last year that he was keen on a move prior to Wits securing him on a new deal.
Who will win the tussle for his signature between Pirates and Downs?
Age: 30 Contract duration: Recently renewed until June 2022 Secret agent’s transfer valuation: “Around R10 million, but not more.”
Sifiso Hlanti
Like his club and national team captain, ‘Chopper’ has been on the radar of the country’s big outfits, with Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns keen on bringing him on board for some time now.
Hlanti also attracted interest from abroad, but Wits are believed to have previously turned down a concrete offer from Major League Soccer side Nashville SC, in the USA, shortly after the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt last year.
With Chiefs still fighting to have their FIFA ban overturned and unable to register new players until July 2021, Downs could have an edge.
The Siya crew has reported before that Hlanti could push to leave The Clever Boys at the end of the season, with Chloorkop his likely destination.
A fall- out with coach Gavin Hunt, after he criticised him in a TV interview earlier this year and later seemingly tried to rectify it, did not sit well with the player.
The potential club sale opens the door for a potential move. Age: 30 Contract duration: June 2022 Secret agent’s transfer valuation: “At least R5 million”
Buhle Mkhwanazi
He is former Sundowns player, but was eventually allowed to leave and join Wits, where his reputation has grown. He has become a Bafana international and featured at the AFCON last year.
Mkhwanazi was understood to have made Mosimane’s wish-list of centre-backs when the coach confirmed that he was looking for a “modern” defender at rearguard to help the club challenge for honours on the continent. But with Downs likely to make ‘Tyson’ their priority, it could mean that Mkhwanazi could go elsewhere.
Unless, of course, his teammate opts for Pirates!
Age: 30 Contract duration: June 2021 Secret agent’s transfer valuation: “Around R5 million, but not more.”
Thabang Monare
Linked with Downs, Chiefs and SuperSport United, the box-to-box midfielder is among this long list of players likely to have a new home should the sale go through, as expected in the coming weeks.
Monare had serious admirers in Amakhosi, but their transfer ban all but rules them out of getting in on the action for Wits players.
Age: 30 Contract duration: June 2022 Secret agent’s transfer valuation: “Not more than R5 million.”
Cole Alexander
Alexander revived his career since joining Wits having struggled at his former club SuperSport, who could potentially be interested given that they are on the hunt for a Dean Furman replace following the anchorman’s return back to the UK.
Stuart Baxter, while Chiefs coach, wanted the club to sign Alexander, but the deal never materialised, although Amakhosi remain keen and were hoping they could land him as a free agent next year to coincide with the end of their FIFA ban.
Age: 30 Contract duration: June 2021 Secret agent’s transfer valuation: “Around R3 million.”
Deon Hotto
The Siya crew broke the news last week that the Namibian international was being pursued by Sundowns, with the two clubs believed to have already been in contact over the possible sale of the winger.
Hotto is also wanted by Pirates, but it remains to be seen whether Wits accept an offer from the highest bidder or allow the player to simply pick his own destination in what would be the biggest move of his career so far.
Age: 28 Contract duration: June 2022 Secret agent’s transfer valuation: “Around R6 million.”
Gift Motupa
The striker came close to joining Sundowns during the recent January transfer window, but reports suggested that Wits’ valuation of the player put the Brazilians off and the deal fell through.
It remains to be seen whether they will return for his services in the coming weeks, especially now that there’s talk of the club being sold.
Motupa, the youngest in this list of big hitters, is also a former Pirates and Baroka FC striker with a good finishing touch.
Age: 25 Contract duration: June 2023 Secret agent’s transfer valuation: “Reports say Wits wanted R22 million in January, but they will now probably take half or less. Around R10m maybe.”