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Chiefs explain Khumalo departure

Cape Town - Doctor Khumalo on Thursday left Kaizer Chiefs, ending 31 years of involvement with the club to become the technical director of Baroka FC.

Khumalo later explained in a radio interview that he parted ways with Chiefs due to the lack of opportunities received at their club he served with distinction for over three decades.

"Honestly the only job I wanted at Chiefs was as a Technical Director of Football because of my qualifications, but it wasn't available.

"When one chapter closes, another one opens. As a man you need to be brave and take decisions," Khumalo said.

The former midfield play-maker, who joined Amakhosi's youth ranks in 1986, and played over 400 games for the club before retiring in 2002, was unveiled during a press conference on Thursday.

"16V" as he was known by fans, played 50 games for Bafana Bafana, and was part of the side that won the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil in 1996. And, in 1998 he was also a member of the squad that played in the FIFA World Cup in France.

Khumalo has served as coach at Chiefs since ending his playing career in 2002. And, alongside fellow club legend Donald "Ace" Khuse, they led Amakhosi to the league title during the 2003/04 season.

He also served as Stuart Baxter's number two as Chiefs won two league titles in 2012/13 and 2014/15.

Club chairperson Kaizer Motaung said Khumalo remained a legend, and that the door remained opened for him.

"We wish him all the best in his future endeavours. He will also be welcomed back whenever we do our legends programme," said Motaung.

According to the chairperson, Khumalo approached the club six months ago to discuss his future.

"Among the points contained in his proposal was the desire to grow his brand and take on other challenges after celebrating his 50th birthday in June. We sat down and discussed his proposals with the football department to map the way forward for both parties until we agreed that he should pursue his dreams as we did not want to stand in his way," said the chairperson.

So highly was Khumalo regarded at the club that the number 15 jersey, which he was associated with throughout his career, was retired when he hung up his boots in 2002.

The Glamour boys next face a trip to Bloemfontein where they face Bloemfontein Celtics on Sunday at the Free State Stadium.

Kick-off is at 15:00.

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