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Although Kaizer Chiefs delayed the decision to trigger defender Sifiso Hlanti’s option for one more year, it’s understood the two parties are now discussing new terms to keep the player at Naturena.
Hlanti officially joined the Soweto giants in July 2021 from rivals Swallows FC, putting pen to paper on a two-year deal with an option to have it extended by another season at the club’s discretion.
SABC Sport understands the deadline to activate the clause was at the end of May, a standard procedure for the majority of Premier Soccer League teams,
With Hlanti preferring to hear from Chiefs first before looking elsewhere, the experienced Bafana Bafana international is believed to have entered into discussions with the club over new terms.
Early indications are that Amakhosi want to keep the defender even if it is on a short-term deal considering he was an integral part to coach Arthur Zwane’s team in his maiden season in charge.
A one-year contract before the start of the upcoming 2023/23 campaign is on the cards, sources have told the public broadcaster.
Hlanti played 30 matches this past season, a number Zwane raised as a concern because he wanted to manage the player’s load better.
The former AmaZulu and Bidvest Wits left back turned 33 last month and the coach wanted to get more out of him without risking injury.
Chiefs have already announced the departure of veteran centre back Erick Mathoho, also 33, at the end of the season, and it’s expected the Glamour Boys will soon confirm news on the futures of others.
But as things stand it’s not likely that Hlanti will leave considering his valuable contribution as Zwane continues to build a team that can finally end Chiefs’ now eight-year trophy drought.
