Durban City Pursue Former Kaizer Chiefs Left-Back Happy Mashiane

SportsBoom has been exclusively told that Durban City are in pursuit of former Kaizer Chiefs left-back Happy Mashiane, as they look to strengthen their squad and register their first victory of the season.

The Pursuit For Mashiane

Durban City have played four matches thus far this season and are yet to taste victory, having suffered a 1-2 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the MTN8, a one-all draw against Richards Bay, a goalless draw against Golden Arrows, and a 0-1 defeat to Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership.

Thus far, Durban City are placed 12th in the league standings, an indication that the side has struggled and failed to meet the standards they set for themselves last season, when they finished in the top eight.

As a result, new head coach Khalil Ben Youssef is under pressure to get the team back to winning ways. 

SportsBoom has learned that Youssef is looking to add former Kaizer Chiefs left-back Mashiane to his squad.

Given that Youssef was co-coach at Kaizer Chiefs last season, there is a familiarity between him and Mashiane, a feat that could accelerate the process of getting Mashiane to Durban City.

Considering Mashiane has played very little football over the past few seasons, the move to Durban City seems fitting as the former South Africa U23 international has the potential to return to his best form.

Mashiane’s History

Since the tender age of 16, Mashiane has been a part of Kaizer Chiefs’ development program, where he worked his way up the ranks to become one of the most promising youngsters in the team.

With time, Mashiane made his debut in the senior team, where he made a name for himself. 

The 28-year-old played a key role in getting Kaizer Chiefs to their first and only CAF Champions League final in 2021, where they lost to Al Ahly under then-coach Stuart Baxter.

Last month, Mashiane and Chiefs mutually agreed to part ways, with the left-back effectively becoming a free agent. For most of the pre-season, Mashiane has spent time in the wine lands, trialling to become part of Gavin Hunt’s Stellenbosch FC squad.

However, due to a lack of game time and match fitness, nothing has materialised after those trials, as Hunt signed Terrance Mashego on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns for the left-back position.