Kaizer Chiefs have not been at their best in recent seasons, but the worst of it all was in the concluded 2023/24 campaign. Amakhosi failed to stage any serious challenge to claim any Cup and went on to finish 10th in the Premier Soccer League.
They made some promising signings that included Given Msimango who joined from TS Galaxy, striker Ranga Chivaviro after an impressive outing with former Premier, ex-SuperSport United defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and Pule Mmodi who had shone at Golden Arrows.
To show their seriousness, Daniel Castillo was roped in from Monagas to strengthen the midfield while Jasond Gonzalenz was meant to add firepower to the otherwise toothless frontline.
Only 13 games into the season, and coach Molefi Ntseki was fired after failing to show promise thanks to inconsistent results across all competitions and Cavin Johnson was appointed caretaker coach, only to fail in his mandate to ensure Amakhosi turn their season around.
It is obvious, changes are expected especially in the playing unit. Here are 10 players who might not be at the club when the 2024/25 season starts.
Here are the players Chiefs should release
10. Zitha Kwinika
The 30-year-old has not delivered as expected for the past two seasons he has been at the club. When he was signed from Stellenbosch, the main aim was to help strengthen the defense, especially at the heart of it.
He has since been reduced to a squad player who comes in when preferred players are either suspended or injured. He offers less going forward and has been a liability at Amakhosi. It will not be a surprise if he is released.
9. Mduduzi Mdantsane
The 29-year-old was brought on board at the beginning of the season from Cape Town City in the Glamour Boys’ bid to push for silverware. He was suspended at some point last season owing to alleged drunkenness that led to his suspension.
Much was expected from the midfielder after his starring role at City, Mdantsane has failed to realize his potential. He has been reduced to a benchwarmer who might be involved or not depending on the flow of the game. The Soweto giants might be forced to let Mdantsane leave.
8. Christian Saile
The Congolese import was signed by Chiefs in the 2022/23 mid season transfer window. The Amakhosi faithful had hoped the striker would finally deliver goals consistently and make the attacking department ruthless.
In the 48 games he has played in all matches, the forward – who can also play on either wing, has scored just seven goals. Not what was expected from Saile; he is just not the right man for Amakhosi.
7. Yusuf Maart
Maart has not been the same player he was at Sekhukhune United where he provided still and anchored proceedings. He has struggled for consistency at Amakhosi and has a tendency of disappearing in games where his presence is needed.
In the 51 PSL appearances, Maart – who usually gets a free role, has scored just two goals and provided five assists in the process. Not good stats for a starter in one of the biggest clubs in the country.
6. Ranga Chivaviro
The 31-year-old managed to score 17 goals in the 30 matches he played for former PSL side Marumo Gallants in the 2022/23 season across all competitions. It is one of the reasons why he was snapped up by Chiefs.
However, he looks out of place at Amakhosi and whenever he is given a chance, the striker has just failed to deliver. Four goals in 22 games for Amakhosi speaks volumes about his struggles.
5. Edmilson Dove
The Mozambique international is losing his mojo just two seasons after joining the team from Cape Town City. He let his team down when needed most owing to his needless tackles that resulted in red cards.
Injuries and suspensions limited the 29-year-old to just 15 Premier Soccer League appearances. Dove has been reduced to a mere benchwarmer in the national team which is not a good reputation especially to a team of Chiefs caliber. His contract expires at the end of June and might not stay at Naturena.
4. Siyethemba Sithebe
The midfielder has been on and off at Chiefs and is one of the players whose contracts are running out. Do Chiefs have a reason to extend his deal? No! Despite being involved in the latter stages of the season, the former AmaZulu midfielder was just not meant for Kaizer Chiefs.
He is among the players whose contract at the club is running out, and the new coach might opt not to work with him.
3. Brandon Petersen
The 2023/24 season was meant for the 29-year-old custodian but he failed to capitalize on the opportunity. He is one of the reasons why Molefi Ntseki was fired due to his regular mistakes in the goalkeeping department.
Petersen was eventually demoted by Johnson in favour of Bruce Bvuma. His outbursts against the technical bench during matches didn’t paint a good picture and might in the long-run cost him a place at Chiefs.
2. Jasond Gonzalez
The less we say, the better. Let us just say the on-loan striker has failed terribly at Amakhosi and chances of staying are almost zero.
1. Itumeleng Khune
The legendary Chiefs keeper has served Amakhosi for the last 25 years and was honoured for what he has done for the club. His contract was extended by a year at the beginning of the season. After Petersen’s blunders, he got his opportunity only to be demoted after a disciplinary breach.
The writing is on the wall already and it seems Amakhosi will not have the 36-year-old in the playing unit once his contract expires on June 30. However, the club should consider giving Khune a backroom role. His experience can shape the players and give them a winning mentality.
