FIRST-TEAM STELLIES DEAL FOR MAKHANYA?

The Siya crew has been led to believe that Stellenbosch FC are on the verge of handing teenage defender Olwethu Makhanya a firstteam contract amid a defensive crisis at the club.

The latest development comes after a number of the Cape Winelands outfit’s central defenders picked up respective injuries, suspensions or have traveled for international duty.

German centre-back Lasse Sobiech and SA youth international Athenkosi Mcaba are both nursing injuries, while young Oswin Andries is with the national U20 side at the COSAFA qualifiers for the U20 Afcon in Eswatini.

Captain Mogamad De Goede is serving a suspension, meaning Stellies only have Vusi Sibiya and Tristan Hanslo as their centre-back options.

Makhanya only made his DStv Diski Challenge for the club in July after he was snapped up

from Marumo Gallants, but his string of impressive performances have caught the eye of coach Steve Barker. The lanky central defender

was then thrown into the deep end in their 3-1 loss to Kaizer Chiefs last Sunday, making his

first-team debut as a secondhalf substitute for Ibraheem Jabaar and giving a dazzling display despite his side’s loss in what was their 100th match in the topflight.

Now, Siya sources have informed the crew that Stellies are preparing to offer Makhanya a first-team contract, with indications that a three-year deal could be tabled to the player.

A source further informed this publication that Makhanya will take up a dual role with the club’s reserves but will be a regular part

of coach Barker’s side, who are short of defensive options at the moment.

The towering teenager was one of the most sought-after prospects in the country and was reportedly being chased by Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns before signing for Stellies in June.