Siyanda Xulu has signed for Israeli giants Hapoel Tel Aviv on a free transfer after leaving Maritzburg United following the expiration of his contract.

The 27-year-old returns to Europe after having had a stint in Russia with FC Rostov between 2012 and 2015.

The defender moved back to South Africa amid much fanfare when he joined Kaizer Chiefs five years ago, but failed to nail down a place under Steve Komphela and was eventually free to move to the Team of Choice after two years at Naturena.

At Maritzburg, Xulu rebuilt his reputation as he formed a part of formidable squads under both Fadlu Davids and Eric Tinkler.

However, with his contract expired, the defender has decided to have another crack at Europe.

‘We are really happy for Siyanda, he deserves an opportunity like this, not an easy thing to secure an overseas move in this climate for any player,’ his agency, Siyavuma Sports Group, said in a statement to SoccerLaduma.

‘A lot of hard work has gone in from our side, but as always we know Siyanda will go there and give it his all. He’s a great professional, fantastic player, and a gentleman to go with it and someone we all value within the team at SSG.’

Xulu was linked with a move to Orlando Pirates, but with Buccaneers also reportedly chasing Thulani Hlatshwayo, he decided to move abroad.