Siyanda Xulu (born 30 December 1991) is a South African professional soccer player who plays as a centre-back for SuperSport United and the South Africa national team.
Club career Xulu was born in Durban. During his formative years, he spent time in the Kaizer Chiefs academy before being released in 2009 whereafter he joined Mamelodi Sundowns.Xulu and Abraw lead list of seven players released by Kaizer Chiefs, goal.com, 13 June 2017
In May 2010 Xulu was offered a trial by Barcelona, before having a two-week trial with Arsenal in September 2010, which he also failed to do enough to win a contract.
In September 2012 Xulu joined Russian Premier League side FC Rostov, signing a four-year contract. At Rostov, Zulu won the Russian Cup of the 2013–14 footballing season.
He was released by Maritzburg United at the end of the 2019–20 season.
On 29 July 2020, Xulu signed for Israeli Premier League club Hapoel Tel Aviv.
On 30 June 2023, Turan Tovuz announced the departure of Xulu after his contract had expired.
On 28 July 2023, SuperSport United announced the signing of Xulu to a two-year contract.
International career Xulu made his debut for the South Africa national team on 15 June 2012 in the match against Gabon, he substituted Morgan Gould at the 80th minute. On 28 May 2018, he was named captain for the nation's 2018 COSAFA Cup campaign.
Career statistics
Club + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueCupContinentalOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsMamelodi Sundowns2009–10Premier Division213 – 2132010–11251 – 2512011–1226030–403102012–130000–2010Total72430–50804Rostov2012–13Russian Premier League11010–101302013–1415010––1602014–154010000050Total30030–10340Kaizer Chiefs2015–16Premier Division50000040902016–171000–0010Total6000–40100Maritzburg United2017–18Premier Division29251–403832018–1929010–303302019–2012120–20161Total70381–90874Hapoel Tel Aviv2020–21Israeli Premier League31031–103512021–2218010–50240Total49041–60591Turan Tovuz2022–23Azerbaijan Premier League25120–271Career total25282020025029710
International
+ Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsSouth Africa201210201320201410201831202170202240202390202440Total310
Scores and results list South Africa's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Xulu goal.
+ List of international goals scored by Siyanda XuluNo.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition1 5 June 2018 Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa 4–1 4–1 2018 COSAFA Cup
Honours Rostov Russian Cup: 2013–14 South Africa
Africa Cup of Nations third place: 2023
References