Some players face very unlucky careers. One of them has to be the former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Siyanda Xulu.

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Siyanda Xulu is still 32 and has already played for eight clubs.

SEKHUKHUNE UNITED TO SIGN SIYANDA XULU

The Durban-born defender started at Mamelodi Sundowns before moving to Rostov (Russia), Kaizer Chiefs, Maritzburg United, Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel), Turan Tovuz (Azerbaijani), and SuperSport United.

Following his exit from SuperSport United before the start of the season, the Durban-born defender is reportedly on the verge of signing for Babina Noko.

A source close to the player has told the Citizen that Xulu was considering a return abroad before Sekhukhune United showed interest in the former Kaizer Chiefs number five.

“Look, Siyanda did have options of going back abroad. Even before he joined SuperSport but it looks like that is on hold for now because Sekhukhune have shown interest in him,” the source revealed.

“He would add experience to the team and can help coach (Lehlohonolo) Seema who is doing well with the team. You know things change quickly in football and maybe another team might come for him but let’s wait and see,” he concluded.

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HERE WE GO: Kaizer Chiefs number one responds to criticism: ‘It’s not just me’

Kaizer Chiefs number one responds to mounting criticism over his performances and he faces pressure from fans amid injury setback.

Kaizer Chiefs number one responds to criticism after Amakhosi struggles.

Chiefs’ goalkeeper, Fiacre Ntwari, has addressed criticism surrounding his performances, asserting that the team’s struggles go beyond his individual errors. After joining Chiefs in the 2024/25 season with high expectations following a successful stint at TS Galaxy, Ntwari has faced mounting pressure as his performances have failed to meet the club’s standards.

Since becoming Kaizer Chiefs’ preferred goalkeeper under head coach Nasreddine Nabi, Ntwari has come under heavy criticism for his unconvincing displays. Despite being ahead of Bruce Bvuma, Brandon Peterson, and Bontle Molefe, Ntwari has struggled to find form, with fans voicing their frustrations.

Poor results fuel supporters frustration

Ntwari’s performance issues were highlighted during a 4-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout Cup and a 2-2 draw against Magesi in the league. Chiefs fans, frustrated with the poor results, resorted to booing Ntwari during some games.

Ntwari has conceded in all five of Chiefs’ league matches this season, allowing 11 goals in seven games across all competitions. With only one clean sheet, the pressure is mounting for Ntwari to improve his performances.

‘The whole team Is struggling’

Despite the criticism, Ntwari defended himself, stating that the team’s overall struggles should not be blamed on him alone. “It’s not about me being the problem,” Ntwari said, as quoted by Rwanda’s The New Times. “The issue is that the team isn’t in a good place right now.”

He explained that Chiefs began the season well, but recent results have been disappointing. “We started the season well, but over the last three games, we haven’t performed as expected. This is a team with a passionate fan base, and the pressure to win every match is always there,” Ntwari added.

Ntwari acknowledges frustrations

The 25-year-old goalkeeper also recognized the frustrations of Chiefs fans, acknowledging that such situations are common in football. “It’s not a big deal. These things happen in football. You can’t win every match, and sometimes fans don’t handle that well. But that’s the reality of the sport,” he said.

Ntwari emphasised the importance of hard work to turn things around, stating, “Sometimes players are at fault, but the only way forward is to keep working hard. We will continue giving everything to ensure the team gets back on track.”

Ntwari’s challenges were compounded by an injury he sustained while on international duty with Rwanda. During a 2-1 win over Nigeria in the AFCON qualifiers. Ntwari had to be substituted in the 69th minute due to injury, further complicating his situation.