Kaizer Chiefs have released four prominent players ahead of the highly-anticipated 2024/25 DStv Premiership season.
The club reportedly communicated the departures on Tuesday, marking a significant shift in their strategic approach as they embark on a rebuilding phase for the upcoming campaign.
Chiefs await the arrival of their new coach, Nasreddine Nabi, who is currently winding up his stint with Morocco’s AS FAR Rabat.
Nabi is in the final of the Throne Cup and is awaiting the final to officially take over the Amakhosi hot seat.
However, following the arrival of Fernando Da Cruz, who is set to be announced as assistant coach, and Ilyes Mzoughi, a goalkeeper’s coach, the wheels have started turning at Naturena.
WHICH FOUR PLAYERS HAVE KAIZER CHIEFS RELEASED?
The players affected by the shakeup include Keagan Dolly, Njabulo Ngcobo, Siyethemba Sithebe, and left-back Sifiso Hlanti.
The decision to part ways with these established players comes as part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at injecting fresh energy and talent into the squad. Equally important, Amakhosi are on a mission to bring an end to their trophy drought, which has now stretched for nine long years.
The contracts of the four players were set to expire at the end of the month, and the club has opted not to renew them.
Ngcobo has already secured a three-year deal with Sekhukhune United, further highlighting the club’s commitment to reshaping its roster.
On the other hand, Dolly, who arrived from Montpellier in the 2021/22 season, departs as the most impactful of the quartet. The 31-year-old attacker amassed 67 appearances across all competitions, netting 14 goals and providing 11 assists.
Ngcobo, who joined from Moroka Swallows, leaves after a relatively unsuccessful stint, accumulating 45 appearances and scoring one goal.
Meanwhile, Hlanti, a talented left-back who also arrived from Moroka Swallows ahead of the 2020/21 season, made 62 appearances, contributing four goals and one assist.
Furthermore Sithebe, a 2022/23 acquisition from AmaZulu FC, struggled for consistent game time, making 39 appearances without registering a goal or assist.
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