Kaizer Chiefs are set to retain former DDC captain Xolani Cossa ahead of the 2026/27 season as the club prepares for the departure of Aden McCarthy. McCarthy left for Azerbaijan on Monday and is expected to complete a move to newly crowned Premier League champions Sabah FK, leaving Amakhosi with a potential gap at left centre-back.
FARPost has established that Chiefs hold an option to extend Cossa’s contract, which expires at the end of June following his loan spell at Botswana Premier League side Black Lions. Indications are that the club intends to exercise that option.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a productive season in Botswana, where he captained Black Lions and established himself as a key figure in the side.
“Xolani was exceptional for us, very exemplary to all the players, a true professional. He made a huge impact at Black Lions, and he’s definitely going far in his career,” Black Lions president Tendani Sebata told FARPost.
His performances have attracted interest from elsewhere. TS Galaxy are understood to be monitoring the defender as they look to strengthen following the departure of Khulumani Ndamane in January. Newly promoted Kruger United have also expressed interest, while Milford FC are keeping tabs on the situation as they pursue promotion to the Betway Premiership.
WHY CHIEFS NEED COSSA MORE THAN EVER
Interest in Cossa comes at a time when Chiefs face uncertainty in the heart of their defence. McCarthy’s impending departure removes a player who featured 31 times in all competitions last season, scoring twice and playing a central role in helping Chiefs secure their highest league finish in six years.
The situation is further complicated by the uncertainty surrounding Rushwin Dortley’s recovery from a serious knee injury. Dortley missed the entire season after undergoing surgery, and there remains no clarity on when he will be available for selection.
That leaves Chiefs short of proven left-sided central defensive options heading into a campaign in which they will compete in both domestic competitions and the CAF Confederation Cup.
Cossa’s return, therefore, arrives at an opportune time. Having accumulated valuable senior experience and leadership responsibility during his loan spell, the defender now appears well placed to challenge for a place in the first-team squad.
With McCarthy heading abroad and Dortley’s availability still unclear, retaining Cossa could prove an important piece of business for Amakhosi ahead of the new season.
RELATED STORY: Morocco reminded me why CAF Champions League’s two-legged final is special