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| Bidvest Wits captain Thulani Hlatshwayo ((Photo by Steve Haag) |
Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt insists captain Thulani Hlatshwayo is happy at the club despite the Bafana Bafana captain expressing that he wants a new challenge.
One of the first things that Hunt did when taking over the reins at the Clever Boys four seasons ago was to sign Hlatshwayo and it has proven to be an astute acquisition.
Hlatshwayo is regarded as the best centre-back in the country and was rewarded with the national team armband at the beginning of the Stuart Baxter era, which he has worn since.
Tyson, as he is nicknamed, has combined with Buhle Mkhwanazi at club and national level to create a formidable partnership. But after the 1-0 victory over Polokwane City on Wednesday, Hlatshwayo sent shivers down the spines of all involved at the Clever Boys when he said he is seeking a new challenge and ‘anything could happen before the end of the transfer window’.
Hunt could not completely rule out a scenario in which Hlatshwayo would leave the club, but is understandably extremely reluctant to let his star player go and insisted he was happy at the club.
“He’s happy with us, he’s fine. You can never say never in football. I mean look at what’s happening down the road. Players leave for free and then they get bought back,” Hunt said.
“So anything can happen in football. In the world of football as well, I’m sure there’s going to be movement there too overseas. But no, the boy doesn’t want to go. I don’t want to lose the boy, he knows that. He’s the captain of our club, he’s the captain of the national team and he feels he is at home and we’ve come a long way. Yes there always comes a time and yes things will happen inevitably. Coaches, players and people move on, but right now he is happy.”