Kaizer Chiefs have some tough decisions to make in the next few months regarding player contracts.
As the 2022-23 Premier Soccer League [PSL] season draws closer to its conclusion, so do the contracts of some players with their respective clubs.
Although there are a number of players in different clubs whose contracts will be coming to an end at the of June, the spotlight has largely been on those at Kaizer Chiefs.
Amakhosi, one of the clubs with the biggest following in South Africa, will have a total of six players whose contracts will be up in less than three months.
The Chiefs management, with the help of head coach Arthur Zwane, must already have an idea regardless which players they would like to hang to and those they will be looking to offload.
READ: Who else are Chiefs targeting as Arthur Zwane hints at more signings?
Zwane has already indicated that the club has a plan and will soon make those tough decisions which might lead to some high-profile players leaving the club.
“Look, as a club, we have a plan and that plan we have been working on with all these players. We know that they have been contributing very well,” Zwane told the media.
“We will wait until the end of the season. And discuss the individuals that we think we can move on with—especially going into this project because that’s key.”
Here’s a list of the players who are in the last few months of their contracts at Naturena and will be waiting with bated breath to learn their fate.
Khama Billiat
There’s a feeling around the club’s supporters that Billiat, who arrived with plenty of promise from Mamelodi Sundowns some four seasons ago, is yet to live up to expectations.
And with his contract up in a few months, it wouldn’t come as much of a shock should Chiefs decide to cut their losses with the former Zimbabwe international.
He’s made a total of 125 appearances for Chiefs in his time at the club, scoring 24 goals and providing 25 assists.
This season, the 32-year-old has struggled with injuries, only making 11 appearances in all competitions and is yet to find the back of the net.
Itumeleng Khune
The veteran stopper appeared to have been back to his best earlier on this season when he made a few appearances on the bounce, but he now finds himself back on the bench.
He’s played second fiddle to Brandon Petersen of late, and it appears his time at the club, at least as a player, could be slowly coming to an end.
Khune’s experience and history with the club, though, means it will not be an easy decision to let go and will most likely be offered a short term deal.
The 35-year-old shot stopper is expected to be given a role at Naturena when he brings his playing career to an end.
Eric Mulomowandau Mathoho
The lanky centre back is clearly not in Zwane’s plans and will most likely be bring his 11-year stay at Naturena to an end at the end of the season.
Zwane has only used the former Bloemfontein Celtic defender once this season, where he played a solitary minute in a 2-1 win over SuperSport United in September last year.
Injuries have not aided Mathoho’s bid to break into the Chiefs team this season, spending the better part of the campaign unavailable.
Sifiso Hlanti
Hlanti is another player whose contract is up at the end of June, and the former Bidvest Wits defender will be hoping that his stay is extended.
He’s been one of Zwane’s trusted soldiers at the back whenever he’s been fit and available for selection, playing 25 times in all competitions this season and scoring two goals.
Despite his age, the experienced 32-year-old defender is said to be one of the player Chiefs might keep, given that he’s a trusted player by the technical team and has hardly let the team down.
Cole Alexander
The former Bidvest Wits midfielder is another player whose time at Kaizer Chiefs hasn’t been the best, having struggled to cement a starting place.
The 33-year-old’s struggles with injuries haven’t been helpful either, as he’s been unable to stay fit long enough to put pressure to those above him in the pecking order.
Zwane has been forced to rely on youngsters such as Njabulo Blom while he was still at the club and now the promising Samkelo Zwane, ahead of Alexander.
Phathutshedzo Nange
Nange, just like Alexander, hasn’t given Zwane and the club’s management enough reason to extend his contract when it expires at the end of June.
The 31-year-old central midfielder hasn’t contributed much to Chiefs’ course since joining from Stellenbosch FC in 2021, and the club could cut their losses.
This season, the former Bidvest Wits midfield grafter has only made five appearances in all competitions.