Goalkeeper, Thela Ngobeni has paid tribute to the Club for nurturing his talent since joining as a 12 year old back 2001.

The Katlehong-born goalkeeper who has also represented South Africa at the U20 and U23 level, has been allowed to leave the Club when his contract expire end June this year.

“I am grateful for what the Club has done for me since joining here from the dusty streets of Katlehong. I want to say thank you to the Executive Chairman and the Management for giving me an opportunity.

“I competed with the country's two best goalkeepers during my time at Kaizer Chiefs in Itumeleng Khune and Arthur Bartman. They pushed me hard at training and I learnt a lot from the two guys. I would have loved to repay the Club for investing in me but it was not to be.

All I wanted was to do my best with the Club and repay them for the faith they showed in my talent,” said an emotionally visible Ngobeni.

Thela made one official appearance against SuperSport United in August 2009. "I had an opportunity to play against Orlando Pirates during the preseason tournament in Rustenburg.

It was my first appearance in the senior team and together with my official debut few weeks later against SuperSport United remain the highlight of my 13 year stay with the Club.

“I also want to pay tribute to the coaches in the Development who looked after me on my arrival. I was ready to do the business for the first team when I was invited to train in 2008.

Ngobeni revealed that he had not spoken yet to goalkeeper coach Rainer Dinkelacker; “He never gave up on me. He was there for me through and through and I have found it difficult to inform him that I will not be part of the team next season.

It was an honour working with Rainer who is very passionate about his job. It is no wonder he has stayed this long with the Club. I hope to make him proud wherever I go next season.

“I would like to wish the Club all the best and it would be good to see the Amakhosi flag flying high next season. Signs are there with the signings the Club has made.

Will he ever come back? Asked kaizerchiefs.com “I do feel that I have unfinished business with the Club as they have invested a lot in me. I had couple of operations and the Club was there for me and hopefully one day I will come back and repay them for the investment,” he added with a smile.