Tyson tells Pule to stay cool in Orlando Pirates cauldron
Thulani Hlatshwayo (Photo by Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images)
The Wits captain is one of most decorated modern centre-back in the country and his performances speak for itself with a good goal-scoring record for the Clever Boys for a defender.
And not forgetting that he is the national team captain.
Again, if you look at it, I don’t really blame the Buccaneers having an interest in the defender. For some time now, Pirates have had difficulties at the back with their unstable back four, which has leaked a lot of goals over the years costing the team hugely in the process.
Another thing that I think makes Pirates desperate for the signature of Hlatswayo is looking at the fact that their skipper Happy Jele, who is the most trusted to marshal the defence, is nearing his time to hang his boots.
Jele is 33 years old and to be honest, his legs have let him down in terms of speed, making it tough for him to catch up with some speedy opponents in the League for some time now.
We have to be honest with ourselves, Pirates have proved themselves as one of the best attacking teams in the League, but what does it count for when you don’t have a stable defence shutting the door for goals?
It might have looked to be a bit better in their last few games, but the problem is still there.
Getting Hlatswayo would certainly be a big bonus for the Buccaneers, but it won’t be that simple for them to get the signature of the player, who will add much value at Bucs.
After all, the 30-year-old Bafana and Wits captain signed a three-year deal with Wits last year which will see him being part of the club until 2022.
Another thing is that Hlatshwayo will certainly not come at a cheap price, looking at his calibre, meaning Pirates will have to dig deep into their pockets.
Also, this is a player who is very influential and valuable at Wits. His presence at the club is much valued and he is certainly an important member of the team, not only because of his captaincy but also his role in making the club stable.
There is no denying the fact that Wits will do anything in their power to keep the player in the team, like they did when he signed a new contract in 2019.
But hey, this is football and as in the field, anything is also possible in the boardroom with the right price.
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