Mamelodi Sundowns expect Arsenal to sign defender Siyanda Xulu upon the successful completion of a trial. The South African centre back is currently in North London for a month long training stint.
The 18-year-old is seen as one of ‘Bafana Bafana’s’ most talents, with former national team boss Carlos Alberto Parreira selecting him for a training camp before the World Cup. Xulu impressed in his first year in professional football, making 23 appearances and scoring three times.
Sundowns communications manager Alex Shakoane told South African outlet ‘The Sowetan’ that he was confident the player would sign for The Gunners should he successfully complete the trial;
“If Arsenal are happy with him, talks will open between the parties involved. It is satisfying for us that the young man is being acknowledged and pursued by such esteemed teams.”
Xulu, a commanding and powerful centre half, shone playing for The Sundowns’ B side and earned mass applause from Barcelona during a fixture against their Reserve side. An offer never arrived, but they continued to make checks on his progress.
Any transfer fee is thought to be minimal.
You do mean “Bafna Banfna’s biggest talents?” Sorry for being the grammar nazi.
No i think he means “Bafana Bafana” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bafana_Bafana
Good spelling of Bafana Bafana… NOOOOOOT!!!
you made yourself look a right mug – idiot.
Good to see this on here, J!
Keep up the good work!
like the new layout. much brighter and easier to read
Don’t you mean banana banana of banfnaanan banfnaanan’s big talents? sorry for being a grammar democrat. :P
He’s awful. I’ve seen him play in South Africa, typical African defender, error prone but athletically superior.
He wont make it at Arsenal.
@Ari, I want talking about the Bafna Bafna (bafana bafana) bit. It was about the Bafana Bafana’s’ most talents’ part. Grammar Nazi/ democrat not fact nazi!
This Xulu dude, can he play in goal???
@mug i’ll save us 9points
he means bafana bafana,the nickname of the south african team,being south african myself I am happy to see that there is finally some good young talent coming through which is drawing the attention of big european clubs. Most of the young players coming from here mostly make a move to lower european leagues,the likes of Norway or Poland,and then they completely dissapear of the radar. I want this guy to sign for us so lets go for it
As a South African, I always look forward to the hope of having a fellow South African play for the Gunners!
I’m sory 4 dis comment I’m about 2 make. 2 me I dont c any talented player in SA, be it old or young. Dat is why i’m suprise about Pinear. 2 dey all no brainer. Dont think i’m racist, i’m an african, even darker than average S. Africans.
Duke, maybe the reason you arent a scout or coach, just maybe
As a Saffer, I would love it if he made it. Was just having a look at Lucas Radebe and his love affair with Leeds, even leading to the spawning of the Kaiser Chiefs rock band.
I remember Sibusiso Zuma linked with us at one stage, even if it was Tribal Football :)
i could do a decent job in goal but i dont know if my guide dog would be a bit of a problem…
HOW TALL IS HE??
Stoke Gunner; You could always tie the dogs lead to one of the goal posts mate!
Duke you’re a clown mate! I’m South African and there is TONS of talent in this country just no proper development and too much politics amongst those in charge! Stevie P is class and I HOPE Arsenal sign this young man Xulu! Gunners for life
Hi every one, pls don’t get out of point. Xulu he is best player now and he is only 18years old he is the player to buy and start to join our youth team, remember the time he reach 23years Ver, Kos they will be 29years then he will take over easly,
@ duke u shold know black people they don’t like each other, and white they don’t worry about some one busness, just look how did u come against xulu.
basically he has just done his trial and nothing else has happened but the south african coach says that IF arsenal want to buy him they will give him a contract… ?
Erm, dont think that needed reiterating Hiro. Seemed pretty clear first time thanks.
thank god you got rid of that black layout J, that shit killed my eyes for years!
I hope he is good technically, but for me that is beside the point right now..I hope he’s a monster and a big shutdown defender!!! :D Lets beat Barca to the punch and sign him up!!!:D I just hope it doesn’t stunt the growth of Bartley or Miquel. That would suck…I guess you can’t have it both ways though…
Wow brilliant site gr8 work and he looks like a good acquisition.
The content of this site was always first class- the new layout takes it to another level. Brilliant stuff.
Milo, I don’t think your growth can be stunted by another players your same age. If you are not good enough to beat out players at your own age than you are definitely not good enough for the first team so it doesn’t really matter.
Well what I really meant was I hope it doesn’t mean the end for bartley or Miquel.
the NEWS-link at the upper right corner takes you to relly old blog posts
Seen Xulu and I personally believe he is one of the brighter sparks to come out South Africa in recent times and with a proper type of development he can possibly be a top player and him developing in a team like Arseenal certainly couldn’t hurt the S.A nationa team (Bafana Bafana)
Awesome site Jay