Kaizer Chiefs dump academy graduate as they confirm another coach

Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed the departure of defender Happy Mashiane, bringing his seven-year spell at Naturena to a close.

The academy graduate has seen his contract terminated and is now a free agent and available to sign with a new club.

The 28-year-old spent the latter half of the previous season on loan at Siwelele FC, where he found consistent playing time difficult to come by under coach Lehlohonolo Seema. Despite this, reports suggest the Free State club remains interested in securing his services on a permanent basis now that he has left Naturena.

Chiefs release Mashiane

Kaizer Chiefs defender Happy Mashiane has left the Club following the mutual termination of his contract.

The Tembisa-born player joined the Amakhosi development structures as a teenager before being promoted to the senior team at the start of 2019.… pic.twitter.com/ri9cc0bhVV

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) June 25, 2026

“Kaizer Chiefs defender Happy Mashiane has left the Club following the mutual termination of his contract,” Chiefs said through a club statement.

Mashiane likely to return to Siwelele

“The Tembisa-born player joined the Amakhosi development structures as a teenager before being promoted to the senior team at the start of 2019.

“Mashiane played a key role in the squad that reached the CAF Champions League final in Morocco in 2021. Primarily operating as a left-back, the 28-year-old has scored four goals for Chiefs.”

Hailed for his versatility and ability to play at left-back or in a more advanced role, Mashiane was widely considered a promising talent with a bright future at the club.

Over the years, Chiefs demonstrated patience with the defender through numerous coaching changes and inconsistent form. The club maintained faith in his potential to become a first-team regular, even as other Betway Premiership teams, including Stellenbosch FC, showed interest in him.

However, Mashiane was never able to fully cement a starting position. He concludes his time with the senior team having made 69 appearances across all competitions, ending a long association that began in the youth ranks.

Chiefs appoint goalkeeper trainer

Siwelele are considered strong contenders for his signature, as the Free State club had made it clear that they were still interested in his services but only if he was available for free.

Meanwhile, Chiefs have appointed Frenchman Olivier Sorin as their new goalkeeper coach and will be part of Fernand da Cruz’s backroom staff.

“The former professional goalkeeper, now a seasoned coach, holds a UEFA Goalkeeper A Licence. Over the past decade, Sorin has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of several international goalkeepers, including Edouard Mendy, Steve Mandanda, Dogan Alemdar, among many others,” Chiefs announced.

“Born in France, Sorin has now arrived in South Africa to join the Amakhosi technical team, which will be led by newly appointed head coach Fernando da Cruz,” the statement further stated while revealing that the new coach has signed a two-year contract.