South African giants Kaizer Chiefs announce departure of six players

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Thursday Jun 14, 2018. 15:30

Kaizer Chiefs have announced the departure of six players ahead of the 2018/19 South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) season.

This was confirmed by Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung, who stated that goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo, defenders Tsepo Masilela, Sibusiso Khumalo, midfielders Keagan Buchanan, Edmore Chirambadare and William Twala will all leave the club as free agents.

“As stated previously, we are releasing a number of players,” Motaung told the club's official website.

“Of course, there is Brilliant Khuzwayo, who signed with Orlando Pirates after his Chiefs contract expired at the end of last season. Tsepo Masilela’s contract will not be renewed.”

Goalkeeper Khuzwayo and full-back Masilela both served six years at Naturena and contributed towards two league titles and two cup trophies.

The club is also parting ways with midfielders Twala, who was on loan at Maritzburg United for the last six months,Chirambadare and Buchanan, as well as full-back Khumalo. All four players joined Amakhosi in 2016.

“We are terminating the contracts of Twala, Buchanan, Chirambadare and Khumalo,” reveals Motaung. “These players are immensely talented, but couldn’t find their form with us. We do not want to keep a good player inactive and that’s why we will allow them to express their talents elsewhere.”

Motaung also disclosed that “discussions are underway to send Emmanuel Letlotlo on loan. We will reveal the details as soon as the deal is finalised.”

“Furthermore,” he said in conclusion, “we are in the process of acquiring the new coach and working on bolstering the squad with new signings. It will be just a matter of time before we will make further announcements.

“We are aware of the anticipation from our stakeholders, considering that we have not seen much success recently. We are working around the clock to find the right coach and players to sign. We are left with about two weeks before the start of pre-season training and will try to finalise most of these movements before that.”