AmaZulu open to Makhehleni Makhaula’s early exit

Usuthu are believed to have delayed talks with their skipper over a new deal late last year before the Buccaneers made an enticing offer to lure the midfielder away from the Durban outfit seeing as he was in the last six months of his current agreement. 

The January registration period is open until Tuesday midnight, and sources at the club have informed the public broadcaster’s sport desk that AmaZulu would release Makhaula to the Soweto giants, subject to a fee. 

Makhaula has missed two successive matches – the draws against Marumo Gallants and Richards Bay – but the official word from the club is that their captain is recovering from an injury he suffered in the 4-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs. 

He was taken off before half-time against Amakhosi. 

SABC Sport broke the news last week that Makhaula had put pen to paper on a pre-contract with Pirates, and Usuthu president Sandile Zungu refused to comment. He referred all questions to the player’s agent, Sizwe Ntshangase.

This is a repeat of what happened this time last year when Chiefs poached midfielder Siyethemba Sithebe under similar circumstances, and although the two clubs discussed a possible early release it did not materialise. 

Sithebe did not play for AmaZulu for the remaining six months of his contract, and it is now likely that Makhaula too could be sidelined.