Stellenbosch FC have completed the permanent signing of defender Given Msimango from Kaizer Chiefs, making him the third former Amakhosi player to move to the Winelands club during the current transfer window.
The 29-year-old centre-back has joined Stellenbosch FC after spending two seasons with Kaizer Chiefs, where he made 53 appearances in all competitions following his move from TS Galaxy.
The transfer was officially confirmed by Stellenbosch FC after reports of the proposed switch emerged last week. At the time, Kaizer Chiefs were also in discussions with the Stellenbosch-based side over the possible transfer of Langelihle Phili to Naturena.
Msimango was initially thought to be involved in a deal that would have taken Phili to Kaizer Chiefs. However, the defender’s move to Stellenbosch FC appears to have been completed separately rather than as part of a player-exchange arrangement.
His departure from Kaizer Chiefs came as a surprise to some observers because he had travelled with the squad to Spain. Despite that involvement, the arrival of Thabo Moloisane at Kaizer Chiefs on a free transfer after leaving Stellenbosch FC was expected to make it more difficult for Msimango to secure regular first-team football.
Stellenbosch FC confirmed the signing in a club statement.
“Stellenbosch C is pleased to announce the signing of defender Given Msimango on a permanent transfer from Kaizer Chiefs,” reads part of the statement.
Msimango will wear the number 30 shirt at Stellenbosch FC as he attempts to revive his career with the club.
The defender is the third Kaizer Chiefs player to leave for Stellenbosch FC in this transfer window. George Matlou was the first to make the move to Gavin Hunt’s side, while Ashley du Preez followed.
Du Preez’s transfer was also confirmed on Tuesday, completing another move between the two clubs during a period in which Stellenbosch FC are seeking to remain competitive.
Msimango now joins a Stellenbosch FC squad that has already welcomed two other players from Kaizer Chiefs. His arrival gives the club another defensive option while ending his spell at Naturena after 53 appearances across all competitions.
The move also brings the transfer discussions involving the two clubs into sharper focus. While Msimango was linked with the negotiations surrounding Langelihle Phili, the evidence of the completed transfer indicates that his switch to Stellenbosch FC was a direct, permanent signing.
Stellenbosch FC will hope the new arrival can establish himself quickly and produce the form that made him an important player during his time with TS Galaxy and Kaizer Chiefs. For Msimango, the transfer offers an opportunity to secure more consistent playing time after finding opportunities limited following Moloisane’s arrival at Kaizer Chiefs.
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