CAPE TOWN – Kaizer Chiefs have finally made an announcement on player movements during the off-season, but fans will have to wait even longer to find out if any new players will be joining the Amakhosi.
Chiefs announced on their website on Thursday that five players – Tsepo Masilela, William Twala, Edmore Chirambadare, Keagan Buchanan and Sibusiso Khumalo – have been let go by the Naturena-based club.
“As stated previously, we are releasing a number of players,” Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung said. “Of course, there is Brilliant Khuzwayo, who signed with Orlando Pirates after his Chiefs contract expired at the end of last season. Tsepo Masilela’s contract will not be renewed.
“We are terminating the contracts of Twala, Buchanan, Chirambadare and Khumalo. These players are immensely talented, but couldn’t find their form with us. We do not want to keep a good player inactive, and that’s why we will allow them to express their talents elsewhere.”
Motaung added that a loan deal for Emmanuel Letlotlo was imminent as well, and details of his move would be announced soon.
As for a new head coach to replace Steve Komphela, Motaung promised that the club were busy with the “process” of finding the right mentor. Former Chelsea boss Avram Grant is believed to be one of the short-listed candidates.
“Furthermore, we are in the process of acquiring the new coach and working on bolstering the squad with new signings. It will be just a matter of time before we will make further announcements,” Motaung said.
“We are aware of the anticipation from our stakeholders, considering that we have not seen much success recently. We are working around the clock to find the right coach and players to sign.
“We are left with about two weeks before the start of pre-season training, and will try to finalise most of these movements before that.”