Newly signed Stellenbosch midfielder Thato Khiba has disclosed that the Cape Town-based club had been pursuing him since last season.
The 28-year-old, who joins the Betway Premiership side from TS Galaxy, explained that previous negotiations fell through but eventually came to fruition this season.
“It started last season (interest from Stellies. They always wanted me to come there, to be part of the team, but the deal didn’t go well at that time,” said Khiba in his last interview with Galaxy media team before he left for Cape Town.
The player’s arrival at Stellenbosch coincides with the departure of one of their key midfielders, Jayden Adams, who recently joined Mamelodi Sundowns.
Khiba, a former Kaizer Chiefs reserve player was released by Amakhosi in 2018. He then played for Uthongathi FC before joining ABC Motsepe League side African All Stars FC.
In 2021, he earned his first top-flight opportunity with Marumo Gallants, but the club’s relegation pushed him to seek other opportunities. TS Galaxy offered him a lifeline in 2023, where he became an integral part of the Rockets’ squad.
“It was a great opportunity for me as a player coming from Marumo Gallants after they were relegated. As a player, you don’t want to go down; you always want to go up. The President of the team (Tim Sukazi) knew me by that time. So, him and my agent spoke, and that’s how I ended up here (at Galaxy),” he explained.
Khiba’s consistent displays at TS Galaxy, where he made 14 appearances this season, played a pivotal role in attracting Stellenbosch’s renewed interest.
Now part of Stellies, Khiba is poised to strengthen their midfield especially after losing Adams, as the team aims to continue its strong performances in domestic and continental competitions.