Now that the season has ended, now all eyes and ears turn to the transfer window and most of it
being influenced by on-going contractual discussion. With some discussion being delayed since the
beginning of the year and some prolific and influential players for certain teams are also in the
column of those who are still in contractual discussions
The ABSA Premiership Champions, Kaizer Chiefs, are amongst the teams that had certain players
who were still on contractual discussions and in the previous week they announced to arrange a
press release in the following week to keep the media off their back and fans updated about their
on-going contractual discussions with the players. A team like Kaizer Chiefs, after a successful season
had a few of their prominent and influential players also in the column of contractual issues.
ABSA Premiership Champions opened up to the public on Tuesday morning through their arranged
press release concerning the on-going contract discussions of Tefu Mashamaite, Itumeleng Khune
and Mandla Masango, who are three players who were excellent in the 20154/15 season for
Amakhosi. The Amakhosi press release brought a bitter sweet day to football followers as whole,
Amakhosi fans dishearten by the news of that Tefu Mashamaite, Itumeleng Khune and Mandla
Masango’s contract weren’t going to be renewed and rival fans taking delight in the fact that the
best team assembled in 2014/15 would be restructured and to add on the heavy news, the Phefeni
Glamour boys would also be parting ways with head coach Stuart Baxter after a successful 3-season
stint with the Soweto Giants. News which brought the world of football buzzing on the social media.
When we take a look at Tefu Mashamaite who arguably had the best season of his career, collecting
so many accolades, being recognised and awarded as the Player of The Season, Defender of the
Season and Players’ Player of the Season and most importantly he played every single minute of PSL
matches this season, playing every minute of the 30 PSL matches is an impressive statistic for a
defender who has reached his 30s. A player who could be as much vital for Kaizer Chiefs next season
in defending the title, Tefu now sees himself in quest for a new promising venture out of Naturena.
Looking at Itumeleng Khune, a player with so much; great status, great experience and great
abilities, been with Amakhosi since age 13, after a season spent in the injury books and refereeing
books, Itu and some of the Forever Fearless followers might feel like the absence of the Khune was
not felt and the team has enough depth in their goalkeeping department. From January when it was
out that Khune was in the last 6 months of his contract with Amakhosi and that an adequately had
not been tabled for him, sparked some interest from rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and reports suggest
that even Orlando Pirates were luring to sign Mzansi Finest. Most fans would be content with only
seeing Khune depart from Naturena considering the depth in the his department in the likes of
Brilliant Khuzwayo (25) and Reyaad Pieterse (23) who stepped up in his absence and did ever so
brilliantly.
Coming to Mandla Masango, a player who picked up the form of his life in the 2014/15 season is
another player who bids farewell to Amakhosi. Masango, forever labelled as the “delayed potential” star
for Amakhosi, finally in the eyes on many proved his worth but what seems unfair is that he will not
continue to be seen in the black and gold stripe of Amakhosi. A player who very much deserved to be
tied down, despite attracting interest from teams in Europe. A player who has become a national asset
to the national team. Now he is forever present in the called up squad and he is much valuable and
poses to gain experience along in his Bafana Bafana spell which could prove to be vital for a team like
Kaizer Chiefs who plan to conquer Africa.
What could arguably be the huge lose is the parting of ways between Coach Stuart Baxter and Kaizer
Chiefs, with a past with South African football as a former national coach for Bafana Bafana Baxter
returned in 2012 to restore the pride and glory of Amakhosi and in his first season, he did so successfully
by winning the league title and the Nedbank Cup, his second season saw Amakhosi falling short in
defending their title and they ended the season trophy less. Then his 3rd came which just ended with
them being crowned the ABSA Premiership Champions as well MTN-8 Champions. Four trophies in 3
seasons is much of a good statistic to look at for Stuart Baxter, who has labelled his reasons to exit the
Naturena based side as “tension”.
Now to look at the Business side of matters, did Kaizer Chiefs handle their overall business in a much
beneficial and creditable way for themselves?
Firstly to lose national players as free agents after a successful season raises questions to the managerial
skills and qualities positioned at the Naturena camp. Was it beneficial for Amakhosi to delay talks and
allowing the contracts to expire on players such Itumeleng Khune, who had Sundowns willing to break
the bank for him? Business wise it had to be solved as by the duration of December just to have the
financial standings of the club stabilised furthermore. Tefu Mashamaite is probably the biggest shock of
business for Amakhosi, it’s possible to have your best player of the previous season leave your club but
it should on a much desired fee and/or the player should be moving to even greener pastures but with
Amakhosi being the greener pasture of the PSL in most cases where could the best player of the best
team head to?
Concerning their next season, Kaizer Chiefs are a team who have fallen short on numerous occasions to
make a statement in the Champions League, for them to try and do so they need character, leadership
and experience and with that being said the departure of both the latest and former captain in the likes
of Tefu Mashamaite and Itumeleng Khune will leave those factors unattended.
Mandla Masango is another player needed. Flair, speed and timing are what’s needed in Africa for a
South African team like Chiefs who had that last season in the likes of Mandla Masango. He ended the
season as Chiefs leading scorer with 9 goals in all competitions 7 League goals and 2 cup goals. His
contractual issues were questioned when his from was never questioned, unfortunately the managerial
qualities of Amakhosi is still in question.
What next for Amakhosi? Success is built on strong defence and that’s what Chiefs boast of last season.
19 clean sheets, 14 goals conceded 19 matches unbeaten in a row, 21 wins, 3 defeats, 12 points ahead
of runners-up and it took 21 matches to reach the magical 50 points. This sees the twin towers falling
apart and only one remains. Eric Mathoho, who will partner him next season?, with news coming out of
the Naturena Camp that they have secured the service of Free State Stars defender Danny Cardoso. In
my opinion they should lure the signature of Abbubaker Mobara, a perfect replacement for Tefu, left-
footed and footballing brains are needed in partnering with Mathoho and Mobara is blessed with both.
Another candidate could Siyanda Xulu who is desperate in ending his Russia-nightmare spell experience
is a strong factor of the former Mamelodi Sundowns’ defender.
The Goalkeeping department will be boasted by the depth which is there in the likes of Brilliant
Khuzwayo and Reyaad Pieterse who stepped up in Khune’s absence and did ever so brilliantly.
Shandukani Mulovhedzi can be added in as he was promoted to the first team last season
Masango’s void could come as be a blessing to the likes of Hendrick “Pule” Eksteen, Flair, speed and
timing are a potential to the upcoming Naturena favourite. The Amakhosi side is also monitoring
possible signings in the likes of Cole Alexander and Dean Furman this could give Reneilwe Letsholonyane
a much freer role for Chiefs.
Baxter’s depart is now seen as a chance for Doctor Khumalo to step up. The only a stumbling for Doctor
could be forming a much forceful team compared to the last one in the absence of Baxter and now his
African awareness and intelligence will be put to test in the Champions League. Another candidate in
question is Steve Khomphela a coach who is always willing to implement his philosophy whenever he
takes over a club.
Amakhosi now restructured after such a successful. They say; don’t fix what’s not broken. Amakhosi will
have a whole different starting 11 come the start of next season.
More of the players leaving the club:
Katlego Mphela
Siyabonga Nkosi
Josta Dladla
Levy Mokgothu (Loan)
Simphiwe Mtsweni (Loan)
Chris Matombo (Loan)
Zitha Macheke (Loan)
Phakamani Mnagi (Loan)
Vuyolethu Sithatu
being influenced by on-going contractual discussion. With some discussion being delayed since the
beginning of the year and some prolific and influential players for certain teams are also in the
column of those who are still in contractual discussions
The ABSA Premiership Champions, Kaizer Chiefs, are amongst the teams that had certain players
who were still on contractual discussions and in the previous week they announced to arrange a
press release in the following week to keep the media off their back and fans updated about their
on-going contractual discussions with the players. A team like Kaizer Chiefs, after a successful season
had a few of their prominent and influential players also in the column of contractual issues.
ABSA Premiership Champions opened up to the public on Tuesday morning through their arranged
press release concerning the on-going contract discussions of Tefu Mashamaite, Itumeleng Khune
and Mandla Masango, who are three players who were excellent in the 20154/15 season for
Amakhosi. The Amakhosi press release brought a bitter sweet day to football followers as whole,
Amakhosi fans dishearten by the news of that Tefu Mashamaite, Itumeleng Khune and Mandla
Masango’s contract weren’t going to be renewed and rival fans taking delight in the fact that the
best team assembled in 2014/15 would be restructured and to add on the heavy news, the Phefeni
Glamour boys would also be parting ways with head coach Stuart Baxter after a successful 3-season
stint with the Soweto Giants. News which brought the world of football buzzing on the social media.
When we take a look at Tefu Mashamaite who arguably had the best season of his career, collecting
so many accolades, being recognised and awarded as the Player of The Season, Defender of the
Season and Players’ Player of the Season and most importantly he played every single minute of PSL
matches this season, playing every minute of the 30 PSL matches is an impressive statistic for a
defender who has reached his 30s. A player who could be as much vital for Kaizer Chiefs next season
in defending the title, Tefu now sees himself in quest for a new promising venture out of Naturena.
Looking at Itumeleng Khune, a player with so much; great status, great experience and great
abilities, been with Amakhosi since age 13, after a season spent in the injury books and refereeing
books, Itu and some of the Forever Fearless followers might feel like the absence of the Khune was
not felt and the team has enough depth in their goalkeeping department. From January when it was
out that Khune was in the last 6 months of his contract with Amakhosi and that an adequately had
not been tabled for him, sparked some interest from rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and reports suggest
that even Orlando Pirates were luring to sign Mzansi Finest. Most fans would be content with only
seeing Khune depart from Naturena considering the depth in the his department in the likes of
Brilliant Khuzwayo (25) and Reyaad Pieterse (23) who stepped up in his absence and did ever so
brilliantly.
Coming to Mandla Masango, a player who picked up the form of his life in the 2014/15 season is
another player who bids farewell to Amakhosi. Masango, forever labelled as the “delayed potential” star
for Amakhosi, finally in the eyes on many proved his worth but what seems unfair is that he will not
continue to be seen in the black and gold stripe of Amakhosi. A player who very much deserved to be
tied down, despite attracting interest from teams in Europe. A player who has become a national asset
to the national team. Now he is forever present in the called up squad and he is much valuable and
poses to gain experience along in his Bafana Bafana spell which could prove to be vital for a team like
Kaizer Chiefs who plan to conquer Africa.
What could arguably be the huge lose is the parting of ways between Coach Stuart Baxter and Kaizer
Chiefs, with a past with South African football as a former national coach for Bafana Bafana Baxter
returned in 2012 to restore the pride and glory of Amakhosi and in his first season, he did so successfully
by winning the league title and the Nedbank Cup, his second season saw Amakhosi falling short in
defending their title and they ended the season trophy less. Then his 3rd came which just ended with
them being crowned the ABSA Premiership Champions as well MTN-8 Champions. Four trophies in 3
seasons is much of a good statistic to look at for Stuart Baxter, who has labelled his reasons to exit the
Naturena based side as “tension”.
Now to look at the Business side of matters, did Kaizer Chiefs handle their overall business in a much
beneficial and creditable way for themselves?
Firstly to lose national players as free agents after a successful season raises questions to the managerial
skills and qualities positioned at the Naturena camp. Was it beneficial for Amakhosi to delay talks and
allowing the contracts to expire on players such Itumeleng Khune, who had Sundowns willing to break
the bank for him? Business wise it had to be solved as by the duration of December just to have the
financial standings of the club stabilised furthermore. Tefu Mashamaite is probably the biggest shock of
business for Amakhosi, it’s possible to have your best player of the previous season leave your club but
it should on a much desired fee and/or the player should be moving to even greener pastures but with
Amakhosi being the greener pasture of the PSL in most cases where could the best player of the best
team head to?
Concerning their next season, Kaizer Chiefs are a team who have fallen short on numerous occasions to
make a statement in the Champions League, for them to try and do so they need character, leadership
and experience and with that being said the departure of both the latest and former captain in the likes
of Tefu Mashamaite and Itumeleng Khune will leave those factors unattended.
Mandla Masango is another player needed. Flair, speed and timing are what’s needed in Africa for a
South African team like Chiefs who had that last season in the likes of Mandla Masango. He ended the
season as Chiefs leading scorer with 9 goals in all competitions 7 League goals and 2 cup goals. His
contractual issues were questioned when his from was never questioned, unfortunately the managerial
qualities of Amakhosi is still in question.
What next for Amakhosi? Success is built on strong defence and that’s what Chiefs boast of last season.
19 clean sheets, 14 goals conceded 19 matches unbeaten in a row, 21 wins, 3 defeats, 12 points ahead
of runners-up and it took 21 matches to reach the magical 50 points. This sees the twin towers falling
apart and only one remains. Eric Mathoho, who will partner him next season?, with news coming out of
the Naturena Camp that they have secured the service of Free State Stars defender Danny Cardoso. In
my opinion they should lure the signature of Abbubaker Mobara, a perfect replacement for Tefu, left-
footed and footballing brains are needed in partnering with Mathoho and Mobara is blessed with both.
Another candidate could Siyanda Xulu who is desperate in ending his Russia-nightmare spell experience
is a strong factor of the former Mamelodi Sundowns’ defender.
The Goalkeeping department will be boasted by the depth which is there in the likes of Brilliant
Khuzwayo and Reyaad Pieterse who stepped up in Khune’s absence and did ever so brilliantly.
Shandukani Mulovhedzi can be added in as he was promoted to the first team last season
Masango’s void could come as be a blessing to the likes of Hendrick “Pule” Eksteen, Flair, speed and
timing are a potential to the upcoming Naturena favourite. The Amakhosi side is also monitoring
possible signings in the likes of Cole Alexander and Dean Furman this could give Reneilwe Letsholonyane
a much freer role for Chiefs.
Baxter’s depart is now seen as a chance for Doctor Khumalo to step up. The only a stumbling for Doctor
could be forming a much forceful team compared to the last one in the absence of Baxter and now his
African awareness and intelligence will be put to test in the Champions League. Another candidate in
question is Steve Khomphela a coach who is always willing to implement his philosophy whenever he
takes over a club.
Amakhosi now restructured after such a successful. They say; don’t fix what’s not broken. Amakhosi will
have a whole different starting 11 come the start of next season.
More of the players leaving the club:
Katlego Mphela
Siyabonga Nkosi
Josta Dladla
Levy Mokgothu (Loan)
Simphiwe Mtsweni (Loan)
Chris Matombo (Loan)
Zitha Macheke (Loan)
Phakamani Mnagi (Loan)
Vuyolethu Sithatu
