Chippa United have released 15 players from the squad following the end of their contracts in what is the biggest squad shakeup so far among the PSL teams.
Chippa, who experienced a disappointing 2024-25 season that saw them finish 11th, having managed a top eight placing the previous campaign, have reacted by letting go 15 players.
Veteran midfielder Andile Jali is among those released as well as striker Bienvenu Eva Nga, who has emerged as a Kaizer Chiefs target in recent days.
Who else has been released by Chippa?
Others are Darren Johnson, Lukhanyo July, Justice Chabalala, Samkelo Jali, Baraka Majogoro, Athenkosi Dlala, Ronald Sanou, Craig Martin, Ronald Maarman, Thobani Jacobs, Sifiso Mazibuko, Aviwe Mqokozo, Enock Sakala, all whose contracts have ended.
On-loan players Aphelele Teto, Siphelo Baloni and Sonwabile Khumalo have also returned to their parent clubs after the end of their spell.
The release of Eva Nga could be welcome news for Chiefs who are in the market for a striker and are reported to have added the former Orlando Pirates forward onto their list of targets although Chiefs head of recruitment Tera Maliwa dismissed the reports recently.
What does the future hold for Eva Nga?
“I would like to state that those rumours are completely false and not true. We have never spoken to Mr Nga or his representatives,” Chiefs Maliwa told SoccerBeat.
Maliwa’s comments had come after the player’s agent also distanced himself from the reports but it remains to be seen if that is true regarding the forward, who scored three goals in 28 games.
Another experienced player who has been left at crossroads is Jali, who is now looking for a third club in two years since leaving Mamelodi Sundowns in 2023, with Chippa cutting ties with him after they had signed him as a free agent following his departure from Moroka Swallows.
The mass departures mean Chippa will be in the market for many players yet again ahead of the 2024-25 season just like last year.
