Kaizer Chiefs team picture during the 2023 Carling Black Label Knockout match against AmaZulu at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg on the 21 October 2023 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Over 30 years old: Three Kaizer Chiefs players to leave?
This is what most clubs do to build for the future. Kaizer Chiefs are likely to release three players over the age of 30.
Kaizer Chiefs team picture during the 2023 Carling Black Label Knockout match against AmaZulu at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg on the 21 October 2023 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
A few names in the Kaizer Chiefs squad face ending contracts. Three of the names have also turned the other side of 30. It’s true that modern footballers play beyond the age of 33, but not when players regularly fail to make the starting line-ups.
KAIZER CHIEFS PLAYERS WITH ENDING CONTRACTS AND OVER THE AGE OF 30
June 2024 will coincide with a few expiring contracts at Amakhosi. Three of the players might also allow the club to make younger signings as the club continues to build for the new squad cycle. Some of the high-profile names include Itumeleng Khune who turns 37 on 20 June.
Full list:
- Itumeleng Khune, Goalkeeper – Contract ending on 30 June – Turning 37 in June
- Sifiso Hlanti, Leftback – Contract ending on 30 June – Turning 34 in May
- Siyethemba Sithebe, central midfielder – Contract ending on 30 June – Turning 32 in June 2025.
AMAKHOSI ANNOUNCE MFUNDO VILAKAZI DEAL
Talking about Kaizer Chiefs’ progressive planning, the Soweto giants announced the signing of the 18-year-old Vilakazi. The midfielder/winger known as ‘Obrigado,’ started to train with the first team in January before making his debut in February against Milford FC in the Nedbank Cup.
Kaizer Chiefs now officially announced that the Soweto-born youngster has signed his first professional contract until 2028.
Full statement:
“Kaizer Chiefs have handed teenage sensation, Mfundo Vilakazi, a contract extension that will see him stay at Naturena until June 2028.
“Vilakazi arrived at Chiefs’ Youth Development Academy in 2021, initially playing for the under-17 team, before being promoted to the reserve team, where he shone for two seasons.
“The naturally gifted 18-year-old started training with the senior squad earlier this season and was included in the team shortly afterwards, much to the delight of many Kaizer Chiefs fans.
“He has made the match day squad on six occasions, appearing twice from the bench, in the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates and then in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 match.
“The Soweto-born attacking midfielder expressed his delight at signing this contract, saying: ‘“I’m happy and excited to have a contract with a big Club like Chiefs. It has always been my dream from a young age to play for the senior team and represent Kaizer Chiefs. I am looking forward to contributing to the Club and paying back the management for believing in my talent. I thank all the supporters who always push me to do better, I promise not to disappoint.”’
“Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr. expressed his excitement about this development by saying: ‘“We are very excited to be able to conclude this contract extension. Mfundo is an exceptional talent and we are looking forward to seeing him showcase his God-given technical ability with the senior team for many years to come. It’s now all about the hard work for the young man and we know he will do his best.
“Mfundo’s promotion is a testament to the great work in our development structures. We have built an environment that is conducive to producing talent for the senior team, which is fundamental to the ethos of Kaizer Chiefs. We have some hard-working people – from under-13 to the reserve side – who do not focus purely on winning but mainly on producing top footballers for the senior team.”’
