Xulu’s big move confirmed

FORMER Maritzburg United defender Siyanda Xulu has opted for a two-year deal with Hapoel Tel Aviv FC in Israel, ending speculation that he was headed for Orlando Pirates or Mamelodi Sundowns.

His agent, Paul Mitchell of Siyavuma Sports Agency, confirmed the news in an interview with Independent Media yesterday.

Xulu spent the last three seasons at Maritzburg and didn’t extend his contract with the club.

“Yes, Siyanda will be playing his football in Israel. It is confirmed. It’s a two-year deal. The club has (already) announced him,” a jubilant Mitchell revealed.

Xulu was believed to be on the radar of Pirates and Sundowns and has perhaps found the lure of playing abroad again too appealing.

“He hasn’t travelled as yet but will do in the next couple of days. I’m very pleased for him because to get a move out of the country, given the state of affairs globally, is huge for a South African player. Siyanda has worked very hard at Maritzburg United in the last three seasons. We are really pleased for him,” Mitchell added.

At the early stage of his career, Xulu went on trials at Barcelona and Arsenal. He later played for FC Rostov in Russia.

“We all know that Siyanda is quality. It is just pleasing. It’s been ongoing for quite some time. We’ve had interest locally and abroad. With this one, we’ve been discussing it for some time. Eventually, we got there. The club spoke to Siyanda as well. They sold him their project. Obviously, it is a very decent place to live as well. Once he listened to what they were saying, he was willing to look at it,” Mitchell elaborated.

The 29-year-old burst onto the scene in 2009 at Sundowns. Before joining Maritzburg, he had a stint with Kaizer Chiefs.

The KwaMashu-born defender walked away with the Defender of the Season gong at the Premier Soccer League awards last season.