EIGHT Bidvest Wits players likely to be in demand if club is sold

• With speculation that Absa Premiership side Bidvest Wits' top-flight status is on the verge of being sold Sport24 lists EIGHT players likely to depart.
• Thulani Hlatshwayo, Deon Hotto and a host of other players have already been linked to moves away from the club as it faces an uncertain future.
• Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates seem to be the major players in the transfer window trying to secure the transfer of these players.

With strong speculation that Absa Premiership side Bidvest Wits' top-flight status is likely to be sold, here is a list of eight in-demand players likely to depart.

Thulani Hlatshwayo

The Clever Boys and Bafana Bafana captain is seen as the most valuable player in the transfer market and would improve any team's defence in the PSL.

Likely destination: Orlando Pirates

Hlathswayo has openly admitted before that he is a Buccaneers supporter and that it is a goal to play in a Soweto derby. Already there are reports that Pirates chairperson Irvin Khoza has wielded his influence to secure the player's signature ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns. Khoza's influence cannot be understated as he already pulled a similar move to secure the signing of Abubakker Mobara from Ajax Cape Town with the guarantee of being selected for the national team.

Deon Hotto

Hotto has proven to be a one-man match-winning machine this season by scoring five goals with four assists in 21 appearances. In a team relying on individual brilliance to score goals, Hotto provided this for Wits with his goal threat and creativity.

Likely destination: Orlando Pirates

Like Hlatshwayo, reports suggest that Orlando Pirates are the front-runners to clinch a deal in what was likely a joint negotiation for the two players. Irvin Khoza has seemed to take it upon himself to fight against Sundowns' financial strength and their ability to blow any team out of the water in the transfer market.

Gift Motupa

Similarly to Hotto, the Wits attacker is able to win matches on his own and has an impressive record with five goals and two assists in 15 league appearances.

Likely destination: Mamelodi Sundowns

Sundowns are believed to have made a huge offer for the player's services and seem to have been alerted to Wits' financial situation by moving in for Motupa, Hlatshwayo and one other player. The only question mark is game-time as Sundowns already possess players such as Gaston Sirino and Themba Zwane

Haashim Domingo

The attacking midfielder who is a gifted ball-playing threat would add value to any team looking to improve in the final third of the pitch. The 24-year-old has age on his side and will not be short of suitors.

Likely destination: Mamelodi Sundowns

The Ajax Cape Town academy graduate is reported to be highly-regarded by Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane and is open to a switch to Chloorkop where his playing style would be better suited under Mosimane.

Cole Alexander

The hard-working midfielder alongside Thabang Monare has formed an integral part of the Wits team and would be a good acquisition for a title-challenging team.

Likely destination: SuperSport United

Alexander was strongly linked to a move back to SuperSport as a replacement for the departing Dean Furman but this seemed to fizzle out with Matsatsantsa securing reinforcements. A deal back to the Cape could also be on the cards with the promotion of Ajax.

Thabang Monare

Monare has elevated himself to one of the best centrel midfielders in the Absa Premiership in the past two seasons and has gained lots of admiring glances from teams.

Likely destination: Kaizer Chiefs

It is almost an open secret that Monare is destined for a move to Kaizer Chiefs and with the departure of George Maluleka his signature has become even more important if Chiefs' transfer ban is lifted.

Brandon Petersen

The goalkeeper who moved from Ajax Cape Town at only the start of the season was probably the best player in the league in the opening ten matches before injury struck. One of the brightest prospects in SA football and being just 25-years-old has his best years ahead of him.

Likely destination: Orlando Pirates

Peterson would be the perfect addition for the Buccaneers to add competition in the goalkeeping department with Wayne Sandilands. With Chiefs, Sundowns and SuperSport all covered in the goalkeeping position, Pirates offer the best option for joining a potential title-winning team.

Buhle Mkhwanazi

The defender would reinforce any potential team's defence while adding valuable experience as a Bafana international and title-winning player.

Likely destination: Mamelodi sundowns

Mkhwanazi has been linked with a move to Sundowns to probably strengthen their defensive department as one of many other options. The 30-year-old could easily though be brought in by any of the top teams for exactly the same reason and wouldn't be short of suitors.

- Compiled by Baden Gillion