DURBAN – Maritzburgh United have signed Thato Tlhone from Bidvest Wits on a one and half year deal.
Tlhone joined the Clever Boys at the start of the season from Free State Stars. He struggled for game time at Wits with Sifiso Hlanti owning the left back position.
Wits boss Gavin Hunt has changed his back four a lot this season but he has shown faith on Hlanti at left back. Lwazi Mazibuko who manages Tlhone confirmed the deal.
“Maritzburg United have snatched Tlhone on a swop deal involving Denis Weidlich.
Wits was reluctant to release Tlhone whom they valued and felt he was very much part of their plans going forward. Number of clubs showed interest in the enterprising left back. Initially Wits was only willing to release the player on a 6 months loan but later on, Maritzburg United presented the reverse offer which saw Denis moving to Sturrack Park and Tlhone to the team of Choice on a permanent basis,” Mazibuko explained.
Tlhone is expected to start training with the Team of Choice late this week while Weidlich will join his new teammate at the Clever Boys in the next few days.
Weidlich is Wits third acquisition in this transfer window. They have already acquired the services of Lehlohonolo ‘Major’ Majoro from Cape Town City and Edwin Gyimah from Helsingborg IF.
The club initially announced that Weidlich had signed a pre-contract but the two clubs late agreed on a permanent deal. Wits were also set to sign Mohammed Anas from Free State Stars but they have since changed their mind.
It has alleged that Anas arrived late in the schedule meeting. The Striker might surface at AmaZulu instead of Wits now.
Wits are seating at the base of the Absa Premiership log and that's why they have been so busy in this transfer window period according to their coach. On Tuesday they announced that they parted ways with veteran midfielder Steven ‘Schillo’ Pienaar.
Mazibuko also confirmed that Bloemfontein Celtic midfielder Mpho Maruping is on the wish list of Free State Stars mentor Luc Eymael. Chippa United are also monitoring his situation.