Chiefs freeze on player sales

Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs are not selling any of their big name stars this season.

That was the statement from Amakhosi football manager Bobby Motaung on Wednesday, ending months of speculation on four top players joining overseas clubs.

Motaung stated Bafana Bafana winger Siphiwe Tshabalala, national goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, Zimbabwean midfield Tinashe Nengomasha and Burundi international defender Valery Nahayo, are staying with the club.

Tshabalala, who had a brilliant World Cup for Bafana, has been the target of a number of European clubs but Motaung said Tshabalala was not going anywhere.

"We have not received a concrete offer and he is staying at Chiefs. The transfer chapter is closed and that is the end of the story.

“That goes for the other players as well. We are not releasing anyone.”

Tshabalala said he was happy to stay with Chiefs and said he was not unsettled or disappointed that his much publicised move to Europe did not materialise.

“I am focused with Chiefs and aim to help them win trophies again this season, starting with the MNT8,” said the flying left winger.

Tshabalala will be a key player for Amakhosi in their MTN8 quarter-final against Bloemfontein Celtic at the Rand Stadium on Saturday night. Kick-off is at 20:15.

Tshabalala added he has always been happy playing for Chiefs. "The team comes first and I am looking forward to playing against Celtic. It won’t be easy as they have some new top signings.

"We will not make the mistake of underestimating them. I am up for the challenge.”

Nengomasha, who returned from a medical and trial with a club in Qatar two weeks ago, will not be available for the clash against Celtic.

Nahayo was also set to join the same Qatar team, but did not travel to the Middle East for a trial or medical and helped Chiefs lift the recent Telkom Charity Cup played at the FNB Stadium.

“Nengomasha needs more time to get fully fit. He missed two weeks of pre-season and has to catch up, so I will not risk him against Celtic,” said Chiefs head coach Vladimir Vermezovic.

Motaung said the Qatar club had not made an offer on either Nengomasha or Nahayo. “A transfer is a two-way street. The club in Qatar did not come with an offer and Nenomasha was not happy with the set-up after going there for a medical.

"He said he did not fancy playing there and was happy to be back at Chiefs where he will again be a part of our squad.”