Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed the departure of midfielder Samkelo Zwane and goalkeeper Bontle Molefe, with the duo set to spend the 2026/27 season on loan at Hope FC in the NFD.
The two academy graduates have been sent to the Motsepe Foundation Championship to continue their growth and accumulate much needed game-time.
Zwane and Molefe have struggled to break into the Chiefs matchday squad in the past few seasons, prompting the club to afford them opportunities to get playing minutes elsewhere.
In the previous campaign, Zwane spent a season on loan with Siwelele FC to play under head coach Lehlohonolo Seema. However, his loan move didn’t go as planned.
The talented central midfielder only managed to feature in seven appearances across all competitions at the Bloemfontein-based side. Zwane joined Siwelele alongside Happy Mashiane, who parted ways with Amakhosi in the current transfer window.
On the other hand, Molefe spent the second round of the previous campaign at Leicesterford City FC in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Upon returning from his loan move, the Soweto giants signed another goalkeeper, Renaldo Leaner, on a free transfer after he parted ways with Sekhukhune United.
Chiefs currently have Brandon Petersen, Bruce Bvuma, Takalani Mazhamba, and Leaner in their goalkeeping department, making it difficult for Molefe to get regular playing minutes.
On Tuesday morning, Chiefs announced the exits of Zwane and Molefe to join Hope FC, who are new to the second division after gaining promotion through the ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs.
KAIZER CHIEFS CONFIRM LOAN DEPARTURES OF FIVE PLAYERS TO GAIN EXPERIENCE
“Kaizer Chiefs can confirm that two senior players and three from the Youth Development Academy have secured loan moves to gain valuable experience at various clubs,” reads the club statement.
“Midfielder Samkelo Zwane and goalkeeper Bontle Molefe – both members of the senior squad – will spend this season at Cape Town-based Hope FC, where they will compete in the Motsepe Foundation League under the auspices of the PSL.
“In addition, three promising talents from the Academy have also been sent out on loan. Ofentse Kgosana and Vicky Mkhawana join Real Natives [formerly Casric Stars] in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, for the season, while Sfiso Simba will remain in Gauteng to spend the campaign at Gomora FC.
“These moves reflect Kaizer Chiefs’ commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring Academy graduates gain the necessary exposure to thrive at the highest level.
“All five players are proud products of the Kaizer Chiefs Development Academy, which continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of the Club and South African football.
“We wish Samkelo, Bontle, Ofentse, Vicky and Sfiso every success in their loan spells and look forward to welcoming them back to Naturena with enhanced experience and maturity.”
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