Former Kaizer Chiefs left-back Happy Mashiane is edging closer to a return to Siwelele FC. The 29-year-old has been training with the Bloemfontein club since the recent FIFA break and has impressed interim head coach Godfrey Mosoetsa.

Mosoetsa confirmed the club's interest and the administrative steps still required. "He started during the FIFA break. He has been training very well," the coach said. From a technical perspective, Mosoetsa has given the green light for the signing, but the deal hinges on finalising administrative and financial terms between Siwelele's management and Mashiane's representatives. The final decision rests with the club's hierarchy.

Siwelele's motivation and Mashiane's background

Siwelele are searching for reinforcements at left wing-back following Neo Rapoo's departure to Orlando Pirates. They view Mashiane as a tactically flexible option with valuable PSL experience. "He's got PSL experience; he played for Kaizer Chiefs while he was still young, so he has much to offer," Mosoetsa added.

Mashiane is a free agent after ending a seven-year association with Kaizer Chiefs. He spent last season on a six-month loan spell with Siwelele, making a potential move a familiar one for both parties. His former club, Kaizer Chiefs, are currently fourth in the Betway Premiership with 14 points from eight games, having recorded three wins and five draws. They have scored 13 goals and conceded eight this season. Their most recent outing was a 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch last Tuesday, a result that extended their unbeaten run to four matches. That sequence, which reads one win and three draws, also includes a goalless draw with Golden Arrows and a 1-1 draw with Polokwane City, following a 3-2 victory over Siwelele in early September. In the draw with Stellenbosch, the equaliser was scored by their top scorer this season, Mduduzi Shabalala, who has two goals in five appearances. The club sits nine points behind the league leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns. They next face Richards Bay, a team they have not lost to in their last five meetings, before a key derby away to second-placed Orlando Pirates on Saturday 31 October.

Siwelele are under pressure to move away from the relegation zone, and adding a player of Mashiane's profile is seen as a step towards that goal. The club has won just one of their last five league matches, a form that has them looking nervously at the league table. The left-back's next move could be confirmed once the outstanding administrative matters are resolved, potentially in time for their upcoming fixture against Polokwane City.

First reported at Goal.com