Kaizer Chiefs star Leonardo Castro is leaving the club. Image: @SuperSport / Twitter
LATEST: Castro, Akpeyi, Baccus also leaving as Chiefs clean house
Experienced trio Leonardo Castro, Kearyn Baccus and Daniel Akpeyi are following a host of other players out the Chiefs exit door.
Kaizer Chiefs star Leonardo Castro is leaving the club. Image: @SuperSport / Twitter
The Chiefs continued to confirm a complete clear-out of surplus requirements at Naturena on Wednesday, with Leonardo Castro, Kearyn Baccus and Daniel Akpeyi the latest players among the list of departures.
“Colombian goal poacher Leonardo Castro is saying goodbye to Amakhosi after his great service to the Club. Since signing in 2018, the 33-year-old featured 122 times for Amakhosi and scored 27 goals over four seasons,” a Chiefs statement read.
“Chiefs is scheduled to part ways with Kearyn Baccus at the end of June. The SA-born midfielder grew up in Australia before returning home to play for Chiefs in June 2019. He appeared in 53 matches with two goals in his three seasons.
“Goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi will also leave the Club, with his contract set to expire on 30 June 2022. The Nigerian international signed mid-season from Chippa United in 2018/19 and featured 69 times in 3.5 years for Amakhosi.”
For quite some time it has seemed increasingly likely that Samir Nurkovic would be leaving Chiefs, and it has now been confirmed that his three-year relationship with the club has come to an end.
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The Serbian striker has struggled for game time under Stuart Baxter. He missed large parts of the season due to a long-term injury but has not offered much on attack when has been able to play over the last season.
In addition, Chiefs also confirmed they have parted ways with Lazarous Kambole.
“Striker Lazarous Kambole, a 2019 acquisition from Zambian side, Zesco United is headed for new pastures after scoring two goals in his 46 appearances for the Glamour Boys,” a post on social media stated.
Furthmore, Lebogang Manyama will also not have his contract renewed.
“Lebogang Manyama will also be out of contract at the end of June and is free to find a new team. The attacking midfielder joined Amakhosi in August 2018 from Turkish side Konyaspor and played 95 matches, scoring on 15 occasions. All the best Lebo,” Chiefs stated.
One of the latest players part of the clear-out is Daniel Cardoso.
Chiefs posted: “Veteran defender Daniel Cardoso will call time on his Chiefs career with his contract due to expire at month end. The 33-year-old played 185 games in seven seasons and weighed in with 12 goals.”
Chiefs are undergoing a significant rebuilding phase
Recently, according to KickOff, Chiefs asked for an extension on the deadline they set for Nurkovic’s contract, but failed to reach that agreement with the Serbian’s representatives.
The situation has vastly differed from Nurkovic’s impressive first season with Chiefs, which saw him score 14 goals and earn an improved contract.
Apparently there has been interest in his services from Middle East, but nothing has materialised amidst the reported uncertainty from Chiefs.
As matters stand, he is now able to sign a pre-contract with another club as he could be set to walk away as a free agent at the end of June.
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