Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed the exits of seven players from the club, including their former captain Willard Katsande.
The club took to social media on Tuesday to announce the exits of the seven.
Those being released are Katsande, Kgotso Moleko, Philani Zulu, Brylon Petersen,
Lazarus Kambole, Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya and Yagan Sasman have all been placed on the transfer list.
“Following a prolonged season that involved playing in the CAF Champions League final on 17 July, Kaizer Chiefs are back in preseason training as the team prepares for the 2021/22 season,” the club’s statement read.
“After holding on to all the players at the end of last season due to being unable to sign new players, the Club emerged from the sanction by announcing ten new players who will wear the gold and black colours of Chiefs in the new season.
“In order to make way for the new players and ensure that the coach and his technical team prepare adequately, Amakhosi will sadly be parting ways with some players who will not form part of the coach’s plans in the next season.
“Leading the list of those who will exit Naturena is Club legend Willard Katsande. The Zimbabwean joined Amakhosi in 2011 from Ajax Cape Town. After ten years with Chiefs, the midfielder holds the record of being the most capped foreigner after playing 326 official matches for Chiefs – which is one more than fellow countryman Tinashe Nengomasha. The 35-year-old’s contract has expired and will not be extended. He will announce his plans in due course.
“Another player who has been released is Kgotso Moleko, who joined Chiefs a year after Katsande in 2012. The defender came to Chiefs from Bloemfontein Celtic. Just like Katsande, he was part of the team that lifted two league titles and four league trophies with the Glamour Boys. Apart from being a footballer, the 31-year-old Moleko is also a successful commercial farmer.
“Philani Zulu will also not have his contract extended when it expires at the end of the month. The left-back cum midfielder joined the Glamour Boys in 2017 from Maritzburg United. He played 98 official matches and contributed with 4 goals during his four seasons with Amakhosi.
“Another player who joined us from Maritzburg United is Goalkeeper Brylon Petersen – he will also head for the exit door after Chiefs signed another keeper last week. The young player is also committed to his studies and recently graduated with a BSc Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Wits University.
The technical team has also decided to put three players on the transfer list.
“Attacker Lazalous Kambole will be made available for other Clubs to acquire his services on a loan or permanent basis. After impressing in CAF competitions, the Zambian joined Chiefs from Zambian giants, Zesco United in July 2019. He has played 40 matches in the two season he’s been with Amakhosi.
“Also on the transfer list is Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya who is Kaizer Chiefs Youth Development Academy’s product. He has played 53 matches but has been struggling with game time in the last two seasons. The 24-year-old left-back was promoted mid 2017/18 season and played several key matches for the Club.
“25-year-old Yagan Sasman will also join the transfer list. The left-back arrived in Naturena at the start of 2019/20 season. He played 32 matches and scored 3 goals for the Glamour Boys.
“The Club would like to truly thank all the players for the immense contribution to Kaizer Chiefs over the last number of seasons. Special mention goes to Willard Katsande who spent the last decade with Chiefs, giving his all. He is a consummate professional who was dedicated to his work and ready to fight for the team, like a soldier. We honour him!
“Farewell to the players and we wish them all the best in the future.”
