Following Kaizer Chiefs players’ mass exodus this week, there is a number of players at Naturena who could benefit from their departures.
Amakhosi have released 10 players ahead of the 2022/23 campaign as they are appearing like they are ready to move in a new direction. However, the club confirmed that more departures are still expected.
The 10 are Bernard Parker, Lebogang Manyama, Samir Nurković, Lazarous Kambole, Kearyn Baccus, Daniel Cardoso, Daniel Akpeyi, Leanardo Castro, Dumisani Zuma, whereas Akumu Agay is put on the transfer list.
FARPost takes a look at five players set to thrive courtesy of the mass exodus.
1. Sibusiso Mabiliso
The talented defender has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot for the Soweto giants. He only managed to make six appearances across all competitions for Chiefs last season.
Mabiliso caught the eye of Chiefs hierarchy during his stellar season at AmaZulu prior to the start of the just-ended 2021/22 DStv campaign. The player had hoped to go on to give his good account of himself, but it was never meant to be having failed to get more game time.
The 23-year-old may find another route into the first team starting eleven when the new season commences.
- Austin Dube
The 29-year-old centre-back stagnating start at the Soweto giants last term made him not fit in well into the Glamour Boys’ set-up having played 16 games, mostly coming in as a substitute.
Whilst he wouldn’t be a direct replacement for Daniel Cardoso, he could benefit from there being fewer options at the black.
- Kgaogelo Sekgotha
With Lebogang Manyama and Dumisani Zuma left Chiefs, the former Swallows FC winger will now have an important role in the club’s hopes of reclaiming their glory days.
Given his ability to play in an advanced role, dribbling and passing will be key for Amakhosi and getting the best out of the club’s remaining attacking force. The 24-year-old now has an opportunity to establish himself in Arthur Zwane’s first-team plans as he only 389 minutes in the previous season.
4. Njabulo Ngcobo
Another player who could take advantage of Daniel Cardoso’s vacant position in defence is none other than Njabulo Ngcobo.
The 28-year-old defender is one player who has been integrated into the Soweto giants’ first team by Zwane towards the end of the last term, having played a total number of 14 games.
His versatility has also seen him operate in the middle of the park under the departed coach Stuart Baxter.
- Sifiso Hlanti
Although injury woes got the better of Hlanti, the defender is one player who could be very useful for the Glamour Boys next season given his extensive experience.
The 32-year-old is highly rated as one of the best defenders in the South African football top-flight, boasting 25 caps for Bafana Bafana.
Hlanti has a good aerial presence and is quick with good vision. Last season, he only managed to make eight appearances in Chiefs colours.
