Orlando Pirates sign Hlatshwayo: Thulani Hlatshwayo of Bidvest Wits during the Premiership match between AmaZulu FC and Bidvest Wits at King Zwelithini Stadium Photo: Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images
While some Bidvest Wits players switch allegiance to the franchise’s new owners, their top stars are likely to emerge elsewhere.
Orlando Pirates sign Hlatshwayo: Thulani Hlatshwayo of Bidvest Wits during the Premiership match between AmaZulu FC and Bidvest Wits at King Zwelithini Stadium Photo: Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images
After 99 years of existence, the Bidvest Wits franchise has been sold to Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandzila owners, leaving some of the club’s players in the lurch.
The Clever Boys had, in recent years, managed to become one of the more successful sides in South Africa, claiming their first league title in 2017 along with several trophies.
Central to their success has been a healthy pool of internationals, who are now up for grabs.
One of their more in-demand players is skipper Thulani Hlatshwayo, who has long been linked with Orlando Pirates.
Recent reports suggest that the Bafana captain has already completed a deal with the Sea Robbers, with an announcement imminent.
The Soweto giants do, however, have competition for the player’s services in Mamelodi Sundowns, who are also said to be in pursuit.
One of Wits’ best finds in the last few years is the Namibian winger, who did not hurt his stock with fine displays in the recent Africa Cup of Nations.
Hotto is another player heavily linked with a move to Pirates, with Sundowns also in the running for his signature.
Kaizer Chiefs could also find themselves snapping up a Wits player, having courted Monare for quite some time now.
However, this hinges on the outcome of their Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing, where they are appealing a transfer ban imposed on them by Fifa.
Stellenbosch are also in the running for a top international in Buhle Mkhwanazi, who is Hlatshwayo’s long-time centre-back partner for both club and country.
The former AmaTuks player could be well on his way to reuniting with ex-mentor Steve Barker at the Cape Winelands.
Another Bafana international likely to exit the side is the left-back, who is believed to be pursued by the country’s big three in Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns.
The former Orlando Pirates attacker was among the PSL golden boot contenders in the last completed season, and may soon take his talents to Tshwane, where Mamelodi Sundowns are said to be frontrunners for his services.
The highly-rated Haashim Domingo is another player said to be on his way out, with Sundowns again the likely destination.