Eight players released by Highlands Park

Cape Town - Highlands Park coach Owen Da Gama has explained his reasons for releasing as many as eight players from his squad at the end of the current season.

The Lions of the North had a more than decent campaign in the Absa Premiership as they finished seventh in the standings after being one of the promoted teams from the National First Division (NFD).

Da Gama has though been ruthless in shaping his squad for next season with strikers Moeketsi Sekola and Petrus Ngebo amongst the list of players to be shown the exit door.

Another player on his way out is midfielder Mahlatsi Makudulela who, like Sekola and Ngebo, saw limited opportunities with the Tembisa club.

Da Gama explained: "We sat down with management, we gave them a list and obviously there are financial implications involved with some players still under contract and some not under contract.

"I think it will rather be right that the players hear from the team first rather than hear from the media. We are releasing about eight players."

On Makudulela, Da Gama said: "He was very unfortunate with injuries and also lack of playing time when he came to us from Chippa United where he played one game all season, and when he was at Orlando Pirates he also played one game all season so I think he needs a little bit more time.

"Even [Enocent] Mkhabela started poorly with us because he didn't play a lot at Kaizer Chiefs and did not play a lot at SuperSport United."