Gavin Hunt looking to reunite with reported Kaizer Chiefs target at Chippa United

Newly appointed Chippa United coach reportedly wants to go big with his first official signing as coach of the Eastern Cape-based outfit, with the latest  rumours suggesting he wants to sign Buhle Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi was a regular under Hunt at Wits

Mkhwanazi was one of Hunt’s trusted soldiers during his tenure as Bidvest Wits coach. The strong centre back was a regular fixture in the Wits backline alongside skipper and now Orlando Pirates defender Thulani Hlatshwayo.

Hunt now reportedly wants to reunite with Mkhwanazi and make him one of his marquee signings at Chippa, with the Bafana Bafana international having been in the football wilderness for a year.

READ | NEWLY APPOINTED CHIPPA UNITED COACH GAVIN HUNT HAS REPORTEDLY IDENTIFIED HIS PREFERRED ASSISTANT COACH CANDIDATE

It was initially thought that the reasons for Mkhwanazi’s absence from the game stemmed from Hunt’s supposed intent on signing the player for his former team Kaizer Chiefs before their transfer ban was upheld by FIFA. As the previous DStv Premiership season was coming to an end, his name started to resurface on the rumour mill linking him to Amakhosi, apparently to such an extent that Hunt and the Chiefs hierarchy came to a loggerheads.

Mkhwanazi was reportedly holding out for a move to Chiefs

Reports said that the Chiefs management was unconvinced that Mkhwanazi, due to his year off from the game would be worth his exorbitant salary demands, but in what could be a statement of intent in terms of backing his new man, Chippa United owner Chippa Mpengesi might just fund the signing to help Hunt on his way.

READ | GAVIN HUNT AND KAIZER CHIEFS IN TRANSFER TARGETS DISAGREEMENT?

Sources speaking to The Citizen have even gone as far as claiming that Hunt has bigger plans for Mkhwanazi.

He now appears to be heading to Chippa United

“Hunt wants him there. He wanted Mkhwanazi when he was at Chiefs but his wage demands proved a little steep. But Hunt is hoping that he can convince him with an offer of a coaching role once he is done playing,” said a source.

Would be Hunt’s first official signing at Chippa

Chippa have already made a signing under the watch of Hunt, but it is largely believed that King Ndlovu was already of interest to the Gqeberha club before his arrival in the city. Mkhwanazi would then be expected to be his first signing should it materialize.

Will Mpengesi back Hunt in the pursuit of Mkhwanazi? Only time will tell.