The imminent arrival of Tapelo Xoki at Orlando Pirates could push nearly forgotten defender Thulani Hlatshwayo down the pecking order.
Hlatshwayo has found the going tough at the Buccaneers with 13 appearances across all competitions this past season.
The former Bafana Bafana captain arrived at Pirates ahead of the 2020/21 season as a key player and was immediately appointed vice-captain.
He played a role in Pirates winning the MTN8 title that season, where he made 38 appearances in all competitions.
But a series of costly errors this past season saw him lose his place in the starting line-up with Pirates co-coaches Mandla Ncikazi and Fadlu Davids preferring Nigerian international Olisa Ndah in a partnership with Happy Jele or Ntsikelelo Nyauza.
However, with Pirates having signed highly rated Xoki from AmaZulu, Hlatshwayo is likely to be sidelined again in the new season and this has put his future in doubt.
But his manager Mike Ntombela said they have not discussed his future with Pirates and that he is still part of their plans despite the club bringing in Xoki.
“Well, in terms of his future, we have not spoken to Pirates management about that and I think it is only them who can comment about his future,” Ntombela told Sowetan yesterday.
“I don’t want to get involved in that as he is still contracted to the club. If you want to talk about that, I think you should call Pirates.”
The 32-year-old has one year remaining on his contract after signing a three-year deal when he joined the Buccaneers in 2020.
Meanwhile, since joining AmaZulu in 2014, Xoki, 27, has established himself as a solid defender with a knack for scoring goals.
He is now regarded as one of the best players in SA football and played a key role in helping Usuthu finish the 2020/21 season in second spot, their highest finish since the inception of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in 1996.
His arrival should bring more stability to the heart of the defence, a department they have been inconsistent in for years.
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