Bafana Bafana left-back Sifiso Hlanti has opened up regarding his ‘training’ spell at Kaizer Chiefs.
Hlanti unofficially reunited with Gavin Hunt at Kaizer Chiefs following the demise of Bidvest Wits at the end of last season however the Amakhosi’s transfer ban appeal decision meant he was unable to sign for the club.
Hlanti has since joined DStv Premiership top flight side Swallows FC on a reported two-year-deal and the Bafana Bafana player has now opened up on rumours regarding a potential return to Kaizer Chiefs.
I was just keeping fit with Kaizer Chiefs – Hlanti
Sifiso Hlanti has explained the thinking behind his decision to train with Kaizer Chiefs ahead of the 2020/2021 campaign.
“Coach Gavin gave me a mandate to say, ‘you know what is good for you boy, it’s better for you than staying at home. You need to keep yourself fit.’” – Sifiso Hlanti told SAFM.
“There was nothing confidential. For me and coach Gavin I think we have a good relationship in terms of any aspect in the game of football. We come a long way so training with Kaizer Chiefs was just to keep fit and to try and do what I can do best without sitting at home doing nothing.
“So I chose to go and train. No, there is no arrangement in place to join Kaizer Chiefs later. What people are saying are just rumours.”
Hlanti and Hunt reunion not off the cards
Despite there being no agreement in place, Hlanti admitted that a future reunion with his former head coach at Kaizer Chiefs is not completely off the cards.
“Anything can happen in football. I might say I’m gone for good, of which I think my performance might put me in a good space where I might sign somewhere else besides Kaizer Chiefs. I can’t predict the future.” – Hlanti added.
“Gavin is a good person besides the fact that he is a coach. For me he is a good person because he plays the role of a father figure to any of his players so that’s what matters most. Coming onto the field of play, he wants to see his team delivering all the time, putting effort to win games. He has a winning mentality.”
Hlanti staying close to home
Hlanti joined Swallows FC last week following his training run at Kaizer Chiefs and the player’s agent, Sizwe Ntshangase has revealed the reason behind joining the newly promoted DStv Premiership side despite interest from other teams.
“AmaZulu were there, Maritzburg United were there and also the likes of Stellenbosch were there you see. Many clubs. But the player chose to stay in Johannesburg because there’s personal things he is busy with in Johannesburg.” Ntshangase told Kick-Off.
Sifiso Hlanti will be desperate to get back on the playing field after losing out on almost two months of football while training at Kaizer Chiefs. The left-back has since lost his Bafana Bafana spot in Molefi Ntseki’s latest squad that is due to face Sao Tome and Principe in back-to-back AFCON Qualifiers this week.
