Khanya Leshabela: South African midfielder joins South Shields on free transfer from Telford United

South African midfielder Khanya Leshabela has joined National League North side South Shields on a free transfer from divisional rivals Telford United.

The 26-year-old central midfielder moves after a season with Telford, strengthening a South Shields squad aiming to establish itself higher up the non-league pyramid. The deal is a permanent switch, completed ahead of the 202627 campaign.

Born in Soshanguve, Leshabela brings experience from both English and South African football. He has accumulated significant game time in the National League North and South, as well as appearances in League One and League Two, offering South Shields a player familiar with the demands of multiple levels of the English system.

Leshabela began his career in England with Leicester Citys academy, progressing from the Under-18s to the Under-23s and earning a Premier League debut during his time with the club. He featured regularly in Premier League 2, making 66 appearances in the competition, and also played in the EFL Trophy and domestic cup ties.

The midfielders career has also included loans at Shrewsbury Town and Crewe Alexandra, before a spell back in South Africa with Cape Town City. He has since returned to English non-league football, playing for Enfield Town, Spalding United, Bedford Town and Telford United in quick succession.

An English FA Cup winner with Leicester City in 2021, Leshabela adds a notable honour to the South Shields dressing room, along with his height of 1.75m and right-footed versatility in central areas.

Leshabelas move on 9 July 2026 completes his free transfer from Telford United to South Shields.