Gavin Hunt says he is sad to see Sibusiso Vilakazi leave for Mamelodi Sundowns‚ but is pleased with the quality he was able to secure from Chloorkop as part of the deal.

Sundowns ended their year-long pursuit of Vilakazi on Sunday‚ paying an undisclosed amount of cash and offering Zimbabwe international striker Cuthbert Malajila and Botswana national team player Mogakolodi Ngele in return.

Hunt made no bones about the fact he had hoped to hang on to Vilakazi‚ but finds some consolation in his two acquisitions.

“I’m really sad to see him [Vilakazi] go‚” Hunt tells Times Media Digital.

 “He’s a good player‚ a good boy and a nice person. But this is football and these things happen. We have to move on.”

Malajila adds to a striking department that suddenly looks full after Wits struggled in this area last season.

He will compete with Englishman James Keene‚ Malawi international Gabadinho Mhango‚ Eleazar Rodgers‚ highly-rated Zimbabwe youngster Knox Mutizwa and South African Under-20 international Liam Jordan.

“He’s a really good player and most importantly he’s hungry to play‚” Hunt says of Malajila.

 “We needed a typical number nine and he is just that.”

Ngele is another player who has moved in search of game-time and Hunt says he will add some guile to the midfield.

“He has got everything we were looking for in an attacking midfielder. He will bring a lot of creativity in that area‚” Hunt says.

Wits have also signed Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Darren Keet to add competition for regular number one Moeneeb Josephs.

“We needed another experienced goalkeeper and he was available‚ so it was an easy decision‚” Hunt says.

And the club also confirmed the capture of Jomo Cosmos captain Thabang Monare on Monday.

“He’s a central midfield player who can add some steel. He’ll add good value to what we have already got‚” Hunt says. — TMG Digital