Cape Town - After another season without silverware, Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed the release of four players with three more “earmarked” for an imminent exit at Naturena.
Amakhosi said they have terminated, “by mutual consent”, contracts with Siyanda Xulu, Lucky Baloyi, Camaldine Abraw and Lewis Macha after the team management met with player representatives.
The club will also release Enocent Mkhabela, who has been on loan to Platinum Stars, to join Dikwena on a permanent basis.
Siphelele Mthembu’s contract which is expiring this month will not be extended and Chiefs said they will give the striker his clearance to join a club of his choice, whereas, Zimbabwean forward, Michelle Katsvairo will be loaned out for a season. Chiefs will assess Katsvairo again at the end of next season before a permanent decision on his future with the club.
Chiefs Football Manager, Bobby Motaung, said the decision to let go of the players was taken in the interest of the players and that of the team, as the players in question did not get enough game-time during the previous season.
“These players have contracts with the club but they did not enjoy sufficient game-time during last season and we felt it would be in their best interests as well as ours for them to pursue their careers elsewhere,” said Motaung.
“We have decided to revamp the squad early so that when we commence pre-season training we prepare ourselves adequately for the tough season ahead. We owe it to our supporters to ensure that the events of the past two seasons are not repeated in the 2017/18 campaign,” he said.
A similar move was made at the end of 2015/16 season where about 20 players were released and 11 new others brought in, to change the fate of the club under Steve Khompela. Motaung has hinted that they are planning to recruit new troops in the Chiefs camp during the transfer window.
“We will be making announcements in due course with regards to the new players that we will welcome into the Kaizer Chiefs family,” said Motaung.