Kaizer Chiefs have released ten players, accounting for over a third of the side that placed fifth in the DStv Premiership in the season just ended.
Despite the fact that their contracts expire on June 30, these players have been freed immediately to allow them to explore other possibilities while also allowing the Club’s technical personnel to assess the roster and plan for the coming season.
After last season’s preparation was hampered by CAF Champions League duties, Amakhosi’s technical staff is looking forward to a full pre-season to prepare the team for the current campaign.
Chiefs have already made moves in the transfer market, expanding their squad with the additions of Zitha Kwinika and Ashley Du Preez from Stellenbosch, with more names to be confirmed soon.
To make room for the newcomers, the Chiefs have said their goodbyes to the players who will not be part of the club’s or coach’s plans for the coming season.
Dumsani Zuma, an offensive midfielder, is at the top of the list, having been released with a year remaining on his contract due to several disciplinary issues. This comes after his most recent appearance before the Club’s disciplinary committee, which resulted in his dismissal after an independent authority recommended it.
The 27-year-old only appeared three times for the Chiefs in 2021-22. He has been suspended several times after signing from Bloemfontein Celtic in 2017, including twice in one season. During the most recent season, he was also taken to treatment and counseling. In five seasons with Amakhosi, he appeared in 100 games (25 starts + 75 substitute appearances) and scored 13 goals.
Daniel Akpeyi, the club’s goalkeeper, has also left the club, with his contract set to expire on June 30, 2022. In 2018/19, the Nigerian international goalkeeper joined Amakhosi in mid-season from Chippa United, where he played 69 times in three and a half years.
Lebogang Manyama’s contract will expire at the end of June, and he will be free to join a new squad. The offensive midfielder from Alexandra township joined Amakhosi from Turkish side Konyaspor in August 2018 and has played 95 games for the club, scoring 15 goals.
Kearyn Baccus was also released a month early than expected by the Chiefs. The midfielder was born in South Africa and grew up in Australia before joining the Chiefs in June 2019. During his three seasons, he appeared in 53 games and scored two goals.
Samir Nurkovi’s three-year stay at Naturena has likewise come to an end. The popular Serbian attacker got off to a flying start with the Chiefs, scoring 14 goals in his first season. Regrettably, his contribution to the team’s performance has been restricted by injuries over the last two years. In total, he appeared in 77 games for the Gold and Black, scoring 21 goals.
Colombian goalkeeper Leonardo Castro is another international favorite who is bidding farewell. Since joining Amakhosi in January 2018, the 33-year-old has played 122 times for the club, scoring 27 goals in four seasons.
Lazalous Kambole, Castro’s teammate and a 2019 signing from Zambian side Zesco, is on the move after scoring two goals in 46 games for the Glamour Boys.
Daniel Cardoso, a veteran defender whose contract was set to expire at the end of the month, has decided to retire from the Chiefs. Since joining the club in June 2015 from the Free State Stars, the 33-year-old has played 185 games in seven seasons and scored 12 goals.
Anthony Akumu Agay, a Kenyan defensive midfielder, has been transferred to the club. Other clubs may make offers for his services, which the Club will consider. Agay, like Kambole, came to Chiefs from Zesco in Zambia and scored twice in 47 games in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Lee Baxter, the Chiefs’ goalkeeper coach, has left the organization when his contract expired. In February 2018, he joined the Amakhosi and worked with various keepers and head coaches in the senior team.
Finally, Bernard Parker’s contract with the Kaizer Chiefs will not be renewed when it ends at the end of June. Parker, a true Kaizer Chiefs legend, will depart the club after 11 years of distinguished service. He joined Chiefs in 2011 from FC Twente in the Eredivisie, and during his sparkling career, he appeared in 359 games for Amakhosi, scoring 62 goals.
Amakhosi won four major medals, including two league titles, thanks to his great talent and leadership. His professionalism, both on and off the field, is an example to any young footballer who aspires to be like him.
The Club would like to express its gratitude to ‘Die Hond’ for his outstanding service and dedication. He joins the ranks of Kaizer Chiefs’ great legends.