As the current season draws to a close, Kaizer Chiefs are making strategic moves to bolster their squad for the future, and the Siya crew has been informed how the defence is set to be strengthened.
With the contract of experienced left-back Sifiso Hlanti set to expire in June, the club has opted to exercise the one-year extension, according to sources close to the team.
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As previously reported by the Siya crew, Chiefs faced uncertainty over Hlanti's future as his contract approached its end. However, the latest developments indicate that the club has decided to retain the seasoned defender for at least another season.
Sources close to the club's decision-making process added that Amakhosi encountered challenges in securing their primary left-back targets. Consequently, retaining Hlanti emerged as the most sensible option given the circumstances.
"For now they have taken the decision to exercise Sifiso Hlanti's one year option because it doesn't look good with the other targets the club has. You know they are looking at Bradley Cross from Golden Arrows, Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch FC and also Tanzanian Mohamed Hussein from Simba SC but it's not promising at all for different reasons and that's why the Hlanti option is the only one making sense at the moment," the source observed to Soccer Laduma.
A second Siya source echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the club's initial interest in Basadien from Stellenbosch FC. However, with Basadien's contract renewal and interest from Mamelodi Sundowns, Chiefs have shifted their focus.
"They don't want to be caught off guard when the season starts. It's better they have someone they know for sure will be there and that's why they have exercised Hlanti's one year option. For now we can say the deal is as good as done as it's imminent because they need an experienced left back before they run out of time," the source added.
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