Golden Arrows have released defender Sicelokuhle Hlatshwayo who’s the former Orlando Pirates target, according to FARPost.
The Newcastle-born centre-back had joined Abafana Bes’thende in November 2022 from Marumo Gallants with Arrows beating the likes of AmaZulu in his signing.
Unfortunately, Hlatshwayo's time with the Durban-based club was largely marred by a consistent lack of game time, a challenge that intensified significantly over his last two seasons.
In the recently concluded season, the former Hlatshwayo found himself entirely out of contention, not featuring in a single competitive match.
His only inclusion in a matchday squad was as an unused substitute during a goalless Betway Premiership draw against Polokwane City, highlighting the extent to which he had fallen out of favour.
HLATSHWAYO GRANTED CLEARANCE BY ARROWS
With a clear desire to embark on a new chapter in his career, Hlatshwayo has now officially left Golden Arrows following the end of the season.
Things could be difficult in him securing a new home having not been active for quite some time.
Interestingly, before his struggles for playing time at Arrows, Hlatshwayo was strongly linked with a move to Soweto giants the Sea Robbers in 2023, though a transfer ultimately did not materialize.
The defensive landscape at Golden Arrows has seen some shifts, with Gladwin Shitolo and Themba Mantshiyane being the preferred centre-back pairing for much of the season.
However, following Mantshiyane's injury, the team has relied on a rotation of Shitolo alongside Ayanda Jiyane, Keenan Phillips, and Shadrack Kobedi.
Jiyane and Kobedi are among the notable new arrivals who joined the team from the now-defunct Royal AM, alongside other new faces including Thabo Matlaba, Philani Sithebe, Xolani Ngcobo, Sabelo Sithole, Ayabulela Maxwele, and Siphesihle Msomi, suggesting a strategic overhaul in the defensive department.
