Kaizer Chiefs have officially confirmed their first departure ahead of the upcoming campaign, parting ways with midfielder George Matlou.
The 27-year-old attacking midfielder will leave the Soweto giants when his contract expires at the end of June 2026, bringing an end to his four-season stint at the club.
Matlou joined the Glamour Boys in July 2022 on a free transfer after cutting ties with the now-defunct Moroka Swallows.
During his four years in Naturena, Matlou made over 46 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with three assists. However, his progress at the club was severely disrupted by stiff competition and lengthy spells on the sidelines due to injury.
Despite these setbacks, he showed vital glimpses of his quality—most notably playing a key role in ending Amakhosi’s 10-year trophy drought under Nasreddine Nabi. Matlou made five appearances and chipped in with two crucial assists during that triumphant 2024/25 Nedbank Cup campaign.
In the recently concluded season, the midfielder found game time hard to come by, making only six appearances in all competitions. He found himself down the pecking order, battling for a starting berth against a highly competitive midfield contingent that included the likes of Mduduzi Shabalala, Mfundo Vilakazi, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Ethan Chislett, and Lebohang Maboe.
KAIZER CHIEFS’ OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON GEORGE MATLOU’S DEPARTURE
In an official statement released on Wednesday, 24 June, the club thanked the creative midfielder for his service, highlighting his role in their recent silverware success.
“After four seasons with Kaizer Chiefs, George Matlou’s contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of June 2026,” the club announced.
“The 27-year-old attacking midfielder joined the Glamour Boys from Swallows FC in July 2022 and played an important role in the squad that lifted the Nedbank Cup during the 2024/25 season. We thank George for his commitment and contribution to Amakhosi and wish him well in his future career.”
Now a free agent, Matlou can join a club of his choice. While his next destination remains unconfirmed, the talented attacker will look to secure a new home quickly, with the domestic season scheduled to kick off in August.
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