‘I love Kaizer Chiefs,’ says Bafana Bafana star

These are the kind of things Kaizer Chiefs bosses love to hear from quality players like Sphephelo Sithole of Bafana Bafana.

SPHEPHELO SITHOLE REVEALS HIS LOVE FOR KAIZER CHIEFS

One of Bafana’s most influential players at Afcon 2023 was the 25-year-old Sithole from Ulundi, KwaZulu Natal. Sithole, who plays his football for Tondela in Portugal’s second tier, has declared his love for Amakhosi but is he keen on a move to Naturena? Not yet.

““That’s my club, I love Kaizer Chiefs. I can’t close the door to Kaizer Chiefs, but for my age, what I want right now I would love to continue in Europe,” Sithole said on PowerFM, as cited by iDiski Times.

Meanwhile, Amakhosi recently released no less than five players last week, including a central midfielder.

FIVE PLAYERS AND GOALKEEPER COACH GONE

Amakhosi confirmed the club will announce the new technical team in due course. Additionally, Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed the departure of five players and the goalkeeper coach: Keagan Dolly, Sifiso Hlanti, Siyethemba Sithebe, Njabulo Ngcobo, Jasond Gonzalez and Rainer Dinklerlacker.

FULL STATEMENT:

“Kaizer Chiefs players and technical staff returned to Club headquarters in Naturena at the start of the week for testing, assessments and pre-season training. This is as the team prepares for the new season after finishing in the unacceptable position of 10th on the log in 2023/24, which concluded in May.

“As the management team, we are resolute in our determination to rectify the situation and ensure we turn things around in the new season. We have thoroughly reviewed the season and have begun making appropriate changes as we get underway with preparations for the new season.

“Members of management and the technical team will be working tirelessly over the next few weeks to ensure that the team hits the ground running when the 2024/25 season begins at the start of August.

“There are a few preliminary changes which have been implemented in alignment with the contracts that were agreed upon at the start of, or during, the season.

Coach Rainer Dinkelacker, who was recalled at the start of the season to assist in the goalkeeping department, has left as per agreement. We thank him and his family for allowing him to leave Germany and rejoin the team to share his knowledge with the coaches and our goalkeepers.

Colombian striker, Efmamjjasond Gonzalez, who joined us on a one season loan deal after the start of the season, has returned to his mother Club, Real Santa Cruz, in Bolivia. He appeared 13 times in Amakhosi colours since his arrival in August 2023.

“The Club has entered discussions with the representatives of various players and technical staff regarding their respective contractual situations.

“There have been some decisions made, though, and the following players have been released at the end of their contracts:

Keagan Dolly, who arrived in 2021 from France. He played 67 matches for Chiefs.

Siyethemba Sithebe has also left after two seasons, during which he appeared 39 times in the Gold & Black colours of Amakhosi.

Defender S’fiso Hlanti will also exit after three seasons since his arrival from the now defunct Wits. He appeared 62 times in Chiefs colours and managed to score four goals.

Another defender, Njabulo Ngcobo, has also left after three seasons with Amakhosi. He joined the Club from Swallows and featured in 45 matches in all competitions.

“The Club will communicate further changes to the personnel as they happen.

“Lastly, as we plan to start another season, the Club will soon announce the new coach and his technical team, which will be tasked with guiding the team back to winning ways as we approach our 55-year anniversary in the next season.

“These changes, and other developments, will be communicated in due course on our various platforms – including the Club’s website and official social media apps – as and when they unfold, to keep our supporters abreast of the progression.

“In closing, we acknowledge every call received, every message posted on X, Facebook, Instagram and all other platforms, as well as call-ins to various radio stations. We appreciate the support and passion, and we are wholeheartedly committed to restoring Amakhosi to the status of “Mighty” and fighting for the glory that our magnificent supporters deserve.

“Love & Peace!”, Kaizer Chiefs concluded.