Maritzburg United have waved goodbye to two of their key defenders, Lungelo Bhengu and Bonginkosi Makume.
The development comes as a massive blow as the Pietermaritzburg side looks to win promotion back to the DStv Premiership.
The Team of Choice was relegated at the end of last season and started their Motsepe Foundation campaign with a 1-0 win over Milford FC.
Bhengu, 22, is linked with a move to Cape Town City, while Makume, 27, has previously been on the radar of AmaZulu FC.
Lungelo Bhengu was a key player for Maritzburg last season, making 26 appearances. He is a versatile defender who can play at right-back or centre-back.
Bonginkosi Makume joined Maritzburg at the start of last season, showing his exceptional qualities as a ball-playing defender. He is a strong, physical defender who is also good in the air.
MASS EXODUS AT MARITZBURG UNITED
A source within the club’s corridors confirmed that the two players were handed their clearances on Friday.
“The club has given them their clearances to leave. They won’t be part of the club in the future. It was an issue of not agreeing on new terms now that the club is going to the Motsepe Foundation Championship,” the source told SN24.
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The duo joins several other players who left the Midlands. Travis Graham, Ali Meza, Wayde Jooste, Rowan Human, Brandon Theron and Bradley Cross, Thabo Moloisane and Genino Palace left.
Renaldo Learner joined Sekhukhune United, while King Ndlovu reunited with Marumo Gallants. Amadou Soukouna, Karim Kimvuidi, Kwame Peprah and Tebogo Tlolane also turned their backs on the club.
The departures of Bhengu and Makume leave Maritzburg with a major hole to fill in their defence. The club will need to find replacements quickly if they are to challenge for the second tier’s league title.