Kaizer Chiefs will not be renewing the contract of former skipper, Jimmy Tau, the Football Manager, Bobby Motaung revealed to kaizerchiefs.com on Thursday afternoon.

Tau bids farewell to the Club he joined back in August 2005 becoming Club captain in July 2008 and making more than 200 appearances in the gold and black. He was forced to miss the entire 2012/2013 season after suffering an injury in the last game of 2011/2012 season.

He returned towards the end of the season and was on the bench as Amakhosi played against University of Pretoria at Mbombela Stadium in the last league game.

“We are grateful for the service he has given the Club for the past eight years. Jimmy has been a loyal servant of the Club, a Captain and Ambassador,” said Bobby.

“The Club is happy to have contributed to his growth and even contributed to his educational development. He remains an inspiration to the youth. We would like to wish him all the best in all that he endeavors in life.

“On behalf of our Executive Chairman, Kaizer Motaung, the Board of Directors and Kaizer Chiefs Family in its entirety we thank Jimmy (Tau) for his contribution,” added Motaung.

Affectionately known as ‘Lion of Teranga’ in football circles, Tau said in the statement he sent to the Club on Thursday afternoon.

“After meeting the Club’s Football Manager, Bobby Motaung this morning together with my Business Manager; One would like to bid the millions of Kaizer Chiefs supporters farewell, this is after a long discussion where he broke the news that I will not be featuring in the Coach’s plans in the upcoming season.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Executive Chairman, Kaizer Motaung for affording me an opportunity to be part of this Club. Also the Club’s Football Manager (Bobby Motaung) for his support during my career at the Club, my teammates, cleaning staff and general staff members.

“As I bid the Amakhosi faithful goodbye I want to thank them for supporting me during rough times and injury period at Kaizer Chiefs. I will forever be grateful for having been part of the family.

“To the Technical Team I would like to officially congratulate them for the job well done and wish them all the best in the next season and beyond. To my colleague and current captain of the Club, Itumeleng Khune, I wish him all the best in the role I was once given honour to play.

“To my family, members of the media and friends; thank you for being there for me all these years,” added Tau.

Jimmy Tau made 210 appearances for the Phefeni Glamour Boys winning Supa8, Absa Cup, Telkom KO X3, MTN8, Nedbank Cup and League title.

In addition the Club has announced that midfielder; Abia Nale has been put on transfer having returned on loan from Ajax Cape Town. Other player movements will be announced in due course.