Sibaya quits Rosenborg for Russia

Russian side FC Rubin Kazan have completed the signing of the South African international midfield player Macbeth Sibaya from Rosenborg BK.

Stiff competition
Sibaya, 24, arrived in Trondheim last summer, but has struggled to establish himself with the Norwegian champions, making just four league appearances. In addition, Åge Hareide, the new Rosenborg coach, has made it clear that he views Ørjan Berg as the successor to Bent Skammelsrud in the centre of midfield.

Good player
Rosenborg sporting director, Rune Bratseth, said: "Macbeth Sibaya is a good player, but he must play in central midfield. And here he has the biggest competition possible [for that position] in Norway."

Rosenborg delighted
Bratseth added: "Several agents knew he was available and we are very happy that he has found a new club. The clubs have agreed to keep the transfer fee secret, but I can say that we are very happy with the deal, considering what the transfer market is like at the moment."

Defensive
Rubin first became interested in Sibaya when he played against them in a tournament in La Manga, Spain, during the winter break. Sibaya joined Rosenborg from South African side Jomo Cosmos. A defensive midfield player, he appeared in all three of South Africa's 2002 FIFA World Cup matches.