Veteran Defender Thulani Hlatshwayo Accepts That His Career Has Come Full Circle

Veteran Defender Thulani Hlatshwayo Accepts That His Career Has Come Full Circle

  • SuperSport United defender Thulani Hlatshwayo said he is grateful to have earned a one-year-extension at the club
  • The 34-year-old defender said he will prove himself worthy at the club while he acknowledges a younger talent might replace him
  • Fans took to social media to say Hlatshwayo's form has declined in recent seasons, while others believe he still has something to offer

Thulani Hlatshwayo said he is happy to be given another season to play for SuperSport United after agreeing to a one-year extension ahead of next season.

The 34-year-old former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana player will begin his third season at the Pretoria club after signing his new deal.

Thulani Hlatshwayo will begin his third season at SuperSport United.
Thulani Hlatshwayo said he will work hard this season. Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto and Phill Magakoe/AFP.
Source: Getty Images

Despite his age, Hlatshwayo said he can still be a valuable squad member, while fellow veteran Bradley Grobler will miss the start of SuperSport's PSL campaign through injury.

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SuperSport United suffered a huge injury blow ahead of the new season

Thulani Hlatshwayo promises to earn his keep

Hlatshwayo speaks about his career in the tweet below:

According to FARPost, the experienced defender looks forward to next season but accepts that talented youngsters such as Bilal Baloyi might be gunning for his spot.

Hlatshwayo said:

"I'm honoured that SuperSport can give me another season. It's truly an appreciation of the work that I have done on and off the field. Some players have done it before us; we also came as youngsters, so it won't be a surprise if I'm not here next season. It's all about performance; ensure you're injury-free and keep doing well for the team."

Fans criticise Hlatshwayo

Local football fans took to social media, saying the veteran defender is overrated, while others said the 34-year-old can still make an impact at SuperSport.

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Farouk Khan Says Orlando Pirates Star Can Still Play Overseas

Thapelo Tshodi respects Hlatshwayo:

"Oh, captain, my captain."

Pule M wants SuperSport to keep the player:

"SuperSportFC must not discard Tyson; the man can still play for another three seasons."

Axo is not a fan:

"He was never a top defender, just overrated."

Mo guy with good intentions says Hlatshwayo has been on a decline:

"This one has never been the same since he has been dropped from Bafana Bafana."

Mzion Tjia admires the player:

"Mr Hard Work."

A SuperSport United player opts to leave the club

As Briefly News reported, defender Siyanda Xulu has left SuperSport United despite still having a year left on his contract.

The Bafana Bafana defender opted to end his stay at the Pretoria club prematurely after failing to earn regular game time.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Junior Bester avatar

Junior Bester (Editor) Junior Bester is the current Entertainment (Sports) Writer at Briefly News. He achieved a ND:Journalism at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2012. He worked for Independent Newspapers from 2011 till 2022 covering news, sport, business and entertainment for titles such as Weekend Argus, Cape Argus, Daily Voice and Northern News. Junior passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative. He joined Briefly News in 2024. You can reach him at junior.bester@briefly.co.za