Johannesburg — Bafana Bafana defender Siyanda Xulu is pleased to have found a new home with Turan-Tovuz after a dramatic departure from Hapoel Tel Aviv.
After a successful stint with Maritzburg United, following a stint with Kaizer Chiefs, Xulu returned to Europe by signing with Tel Aviv.
He was such a fan favorite at Tel Aviv that the club’s supporters would sing his name throughout games.
On his way back to the club for preseason, however, things took a drastic turn when he was held at an Israeli airport owing to “Covid-19 restrictions.”
This incident resulted in the termination of his contract, and he was unemployed for a period of time before resurfacing in Azerbaijan and joining the premier club Tovuz.
Having played three games for his new club, Xulu received a late call-up to Bafana for this weekend’s friendly against Sierra Leone and Botswana at FNB Stadium.
It’s been wonderful there. So far, so good. “I had no intention of returning home at this time,” Xulu said during Monday’s press briefing for Bafana.
“Despite the fact that my contract was terminated in Tel Aviv, the objective was to remain overseas at the same level. I am pleased to have discovered a new residence.
“It will not be an easy task. It is a new environment, league, and culture. I am anticipating a very successful season for both myself and the club.”
Xulu was a late substitute for Thibang Pete, who suffered an injury while playing for Al Bataeh Club of the United Arab Emirates.
However, his connection with national team coach Hugo Broos has always been close, as they are in constant touch due to his position.
“I was astonished to receive a late phone call. “Since I am also the vice-captain, the coach and I are in continuous communication,” Xulu explained.
“We discussed my fitness level. And he was the one who frequently inquired about my well-being. Thus, there has been a recent improvement.
“But to be honest, I was not prepared to return. But he told me he wanted to select me now so that I could gain more experience.”
Xulu (30) is one of the most seasoned members of Bafana, having been in the game for a long period. But does he believe Broos to be the best coach with whom he has worked at Bafana?
“It is the desire of every athlete to have a coach who believes in him. It is the first time in his Bafana career that he has a coach who believes in him.
Given that Bafana are winless in their previous four matches, the return of Xulu to the national squad might boost their efforts to return to winning ways.
The national team began the rescheduled Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on a bad note, losing away to Morocco. As a result, they must defeat Liberia both at home and on the road in March.
Xulu, however, is optimistic that the team’s motivation to win will be bolstered by playing against Sierra Leone and Botswana, two nations with low worldwide rankings.
“We are attempting to engage new participants and activate our combinations. However, we desire to play well and win games. This is a top priority,” he stated.