Maritzburg United have parted ways with captain Siyanda Xulu, the club have confirmed.

The Team of Choice were in negotiations with Xulu to extend his stay until the end of the season but both parties were unable to come to an agreement.

Maritzburg will now finish the 2019-20 season without their club captain when his contract expires on 30 June.

The 28-year-old will leave the club as a free agent going in search of a new club ahead of the 2020-21 season.

Team of Choice chairman Farook Kadodia paid tribute to Siyanda’s contribution and wished him well for the next chapter of his career:

‘We would like to sincerely thank Siyanda for the fantastic service he has given us over the three seasons,’ Kadodia told his club’s official website.

‘He added immense leadership, experience and steel to our backline and helped ensure that we have had one of the best defences in the Premier Soccer League in recent years – we are grateful for his part in this.

‘We sat down with Siyanda and explained to him that under the current economic situation, and with the cloud of Covid-19 hanging above us, we were not able to make any decisions right now [regarding a possible extension]. We thought it best for the player’s future that we allow him to move on to a club of his choice.

‘We wish him all the best for his future.’

Meanwhile, Maritzburg released the following statement on the matter:

‘All good things must unfortunately come to an end and this is the case with Siyanda Xulu’s contribution to Maritzburg United as we part ways with the central defender after three successful seasons.

‘Thank you for three amazing years of solid performances and leadership both on and off the field. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.’