Four key players have been released by Kaizer Chiefs ahead of the much awaited 2024–25 DStv Premiership season. The departures were reportedly announced by the club on Tuesday, signaling a major change in strategy as they prepare to rebuild for the next season.
Chiefs are awaiting the arrival of Nasreddine Nabi, their new coach. Nabi is currently finishing off his employment with AS FAR Rabat in Morocco. Nabi, who is competing in the Throne Cup final, is waiting for the outcome to formally assume the Amakhosi bench. But things have started to move at Naturena with the arrival of Ilyes Mzoughi, a goalkeeper’s coach, and Fernando Da Cruz, who will soon be named assistant coach.
Players Keagan Dolly, Njabulo Ngcobo, Siyethemba Sithebe, and left-back Sifiso Hlanti are among those impacted by the change. The choice to part ways with these seasoned players is a part of a larger reorganization that aims to bring in new talent and vitality for the team. Of equal significance, Amakhosi have embarked upon a drive to terminate their nine-year trophy drought.
The club has decided not to extend the contracts of the four players, whose deals were scheduled to expire at the end of the month. Sekhukhune United has already offered Ngcobo a three-year contract, underscoring the team’s resolve to restructure its lineup. However, Dolly, who joined from Montpellier during the 2021–2022 season, leaves as the most influential member of the group. In 67 games played in all competitions, the 31-year-old attacker scored 14 goals and contributed 11 assists.
After a largely disappointing tenure, Ngcobo, who came from Moroka Swallows, departs after making 45 appearances and scoring one goal. Hlanti, a gifted left-back who joined from Moroka Swallows prior to the 2020–21 campaign, made 62 appearances and contributed one assist and four goals. Sithebe, who was acquired from AmaZulu FC in 2022–23, also had trouble getting regular playing time; in 39 games, he failed to record either an assist or a goal.
