Bidvest Wits defender Thulani Hlatshwayo has revealed that Orlando Pirates did not show enough desire to persuade him to leave the Clever Boys.

The Soweto giants were linked with the Bafana Bafana captain throughout the last PSL transfer window, as they looked to reinforce their backline after the departure of Marshal Munetsi.

Hlatshwayo reportedly handed in a transfer request to try force through the move, but eventually ended up signing a contract extension and stayed with Gavin Hunt’s men.

The defender has now opened up about the failed move, revealing he never felt enough love from the Buccaneers.

‘They just spoke about it but they never made an offer or discussed it,’ Hlatshwayo told The Citizen. ‘They never came to the team to discuss it further.

‘During this time I realised how much Wits wanted me to stay, they spoke to me about extending my contract and staying at the club,’ he concluded.

He has since gone on to start the season strongly with Wits as they have qualified for the group stages of the Caf Confederations Cup, and are also in a promising position in the league with a few games in hand to boot.