Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs have announced the departure of defender Austin Dube from the club with one year left on his contract.
Dube joined Chiefs in 2021 following a successful spell with Richards Bay FC, who were then playing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Upon joining Amakhosi, he was tipped to be a top defender. However, he struggled for game time. This was mainly due to stiff competition in the starting 11 and injury setbacks.
In the two seasons, he spent with the Glamour Boys, the 30-year-old only made 18 appearances in all competitions.
To make matters worse, in the previous 2022/23 campaign, he only played one match in all competitions [against Golden Arrows in the league].
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KAIZER CHIEFS STATEMENT ON AUSTIN DUBE
“Austin Dube has left Kaizer Chiefs after reaching an agreement with the Club to facilitate his exit,” said Chiefs on Thursday.
“The 30-year-old defender signed for Amakhosi from Richards Bay in July 2021. We wish him all the best!”
In addition, Chiefs sporting director, Kaizer Motaung Jr said that they are said to see Dube head out the exit door.
“We are sad to see Austin leaving us, but we felt that it was in the best interests of the Club, as well as Austin himself, in terms of the furtherance of his career that we allow him the freedom to pursue other options and opportunities,” he said.
“Austin has been a model professional during his time with us and we thank him for his contribution to Kaizer Chiefs. We all wish him everything of the best,” added Motaung Jr.
The centre-back, Dube becomes the fifth player to leave the Naturena-based outfit ahead of the new season. Chiefs have already parted ways with Eric Mathoho, Cole Alexandra, Siyabonga Ngezana and Phathutshedzo Nange.
But it seems Dube won’t be clubless for a long time. According to numerous reports that have been making rounds, Dube is heavily linked with a return to his former club Richards Bay.