In the almost-concluding week, Kaizer Chiefs finally started restructuring their playing unit ahead of the new season.
Keagan Dolly, Siyethemba Sithebe, and Sifiso Hlanti are among the players who have been shown the door, while the likes of Edmilson Dove and George Matlou have been given a one-year extension each.
More departures might be announced in the next couple of days as the Glamour Boys create spaces for new arrivals. Hlanti is, however, unhappy with the way he was released by the Soweto giants.
Hlanti was waiting for Nabi – Agent reveals discussion with Chiefs prior to the defender's exit
In an interview with Metro FM, Hlanti's agent Sizwe Ntshangase now believes the Glamour Boys were not open enough with him regarding the future of the 34-year-old. He argues the club told him incoming coach Nasreddine Nabi would assess the player before deciding whether to keep him or not.
“Chiefs said the new coach would assess Hlanti, but he didn't even train and be seen by any member of the new technical team,” he stated.
“The team told Hlanti that he served them well this season in the last week of the games, but they said they will have to wait for the incoming coach to come and assess him and make a decision.
“Chiefs called him this week to say that his contract will not be renewed. We did engage the club [earlier] to try to find out where they headed with Hlanti and what their thinking is, but we were not getting a direct response.
“As an agent, you say to your player, let us talk men to men and you agree on how you both want to proceed in terms of the career direction given that the contract is coming up for expiration.”
Amakhosi will have to ensure they bring in quality players to match Nabi's ambition. The Tunisian has already proved he can deliver domestically and internationally when given the right arsenal.
As for Hlanti, he still has the quality to play in the Premier Soccer League, and a few teams might end up battling for his services.
