Johannesburg - SuperSport United captain and Bafana Bafana star defender Bongani Khumalo is expected to join leading English Premiership club Tottenham Hotspur in the January transfer window.
Khumalo’s business manager Glyn Binkin confirmed on Tuesday that the 23-year-old central defender who shone for Bafana in the Word Cup, that a deal would be concluded with Spurs by end of business on Tuesday.
But the talented defender would not be moving to White Hart Lane by the end of the transfer window on Tuesday (August 31) as had been speculated.
"The deal is on going at present. The plan is for Khumalo to play as many matches this year for Bafana and get more caps and join Spurs in January," Binkin said.
"He impressed Spurs when he went to London for a short trial with Spurs last week and the club and keen to sign him and I believe the deal will go through in January."
Khumalo said he was excited about the prospect of playing in the most competitive league in the world.
"I enjoyed my trial with Spurs and all I can say is that at this stage the deal is pending and an announcement will be made later."
Khumalo who missed Bafana’s 1-0 friendly win over World Cup quarter-finalists Ghana at the FNB Stadium earlier this month because of an ankle injury said he was fully recovered and was determined to win his place back in the starting line-up when Bafana play Niger in Bafana’s opening 2012 African Nation Cup qualifier at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday night (20:30).
His SuperSport team-mate Morgan Gould who ironically missed the World Cup due to injury replaced Khumalo against Ghana and played alongside skipper Aaron Mokena in that victory.
"I am fit and ready to fight for my place. I realise that the competition for a places in the starting line up is stiff with a number of real quality centre backs in the squad. But competition is healthy and keeps all of us on our toes," Khumalo said.
Apart from Gould and Mokoena, Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has selected Golden Arrows unsettled defender Siyabonga Sangweni and Orlando Pirates budding star Happy Jele.
Said Jele: "I am thrilled to be part of the squad and I am here to learn and gain experience."