Kaizer Chiefs: 5 key players facing uncertain future at Naturena

As the season enters its homestretch, a number of Kaizer Chiefs players are not just worried about their performances and results but their future at the club.

Up to five key players are coming to the end of their contracts at Naturena and with just two months to go, some of them could be playing their last games for the club.

Some of them are key players while others have not set the stage as it was expected and these performances will determine whether they get contract extensions or not.

Khanyiso Mayo

Mayo’s arrival at Chiefs was met with high expectations, but his season has been hampered by injuries, a dip in form, and an apparent over-eagerness to impress. The result has been a disappointing return of just two goals in 12 appearances.

His agent has insisted the player wants to stay by making his season-long loan deal permanent but the son of club legend Patrick Mayo faces a defining period after a challenging 2024-25 season with Algerian side CR Belouizdad.

Gaston Sirino

While he possesses a high football IQ and a proven winning mentality, Sirino has been a shadow of the player that set the stage alight at Mamelodi Sundowns.

Sirino is yet to play consistently for Chiefs and is now a bit-part player. With just five goals and eight assists in 48 games for Chiefs, it is hard to see the club offering him a new deal.

Bruce Bvuma

A product of the same esteemed goalkeeping school that produced Itumeleng Khune, Bvuma has had a rollercoaster career between the posts, drawing criticism from club legends along the way. His return to action was shaky, conceding four goals in two games, including the Soweto derby.

While he has since responded with two consecutive clean sheets, he has yet to establish himself as the definitive number one. With Fiacre Ntwari’s future also unclear, the club has a big decision to make given Brandon Petersen is now the undisputed No1.

Pule Mmodi

Blessed with pace and a good attitude, Mmodi can be exciting but frustrating at the same time but he has not made a great impact as it was hoped when he joined Chiefs as one of the highly-rated players.

The winger has managed just nine goals and six assists in 79 games for Chiefs and at 33, it looks like it is time to move on.

Nkosingiphile Ngcobo

After shining in the youth ranks, Ngcobo was widely tipped as the next big star to emerge at Chiefs. However, his progress in the senior team has stalled due to a combination of injuries, inconsistent form, and frequent coaching changes. Known affectionately as “Mshini,” his light has dimmed considerably.

Co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef have given the midfielder ample opportunities this season, and while he has shown glimpses of his former brilliance, he has struggled to stamp his authority on matches. With his contract expiring soon, time is running out for the fan favourite to make his case.