Kaizer Chiefs have announced the release of 10 players, making up almost 30% of the squad that finished the just-concluded 2021/22 DStv Premiership in fifth position.

These players have been released immediately, despite their contracts running until 30 June, in order to give them ample time to explore alternative options while also giving the Club’s technical team latitude to assess the squad and plan for the next season.

After CAF Champions League commitments curtailed Amakhosi’s preparation for last season, the technical staff are looking forward to a full pre-season to ready the team for the new campaign.

Chiefs have already made moves in the transfer market, bolstering the squad with the arrivals of Zitha Kwinika and Ashley Du Preez from Stellenbosch, with more names expected to be announced in due course.

In order to make way for the new additions Chiefs has bid farewell to the players that do not form part of the Club and coach’s plans in the next season.

Topping the list is attacking midfielder Dumsani Zuma, whose numerous disciplinary issues have led to the Club letting him go with a year still remaining on his contract. This follows his latest appearance in front of the Club’s disciplinary committee, which resulted in his dismissal as recommended by an independent authority.

The 27-year-old only featured three times in 2021/22 for Chiefs. Since joining from Bloemfontein Celtic in 2017, he has been suspended a number of times, including twice in one season. He was also sent to rehab and counselling in the season that just ended. Over five seasons, he played 100 matches (25 starts + 75 substitute appearances) and scored 13 goals for Amakhosi.

Goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has also left the Club with his contract set to expire on 30 June 2022. The Nigerian international goal stopper signed mid-season from Chippa United in 2018/19 and featured 69 times in three and a half years for Amakhosi.

Lebogang Manyama will also be out of contract at the end of June and is free to find a new team. The attacking midfielder from Alexandra township joined Amakhosi in August 2018 from Turkish side Konyaspor and played 95 matches, scoring on 15 occasions.

Chiefs has also parted ways with Kearyn Baccus a month earlier than scheduled. The South African-born midfielder grew up in Australia before returning home to play for Chiefs in June 2019. He appeared in 53 matches and registered two goals in his three seasons.

Samir Nurković has also ended his three-year stint at Naturena. The popular Serbian forward began his Chiefs career like a house on fire, scoring 14 goals in his maiden season. Sadly, the past two years have seen his impact on team success hampered by persistent injuries. In total, he played 77 games and scored 21 goals in Gold & Black.

Another foreign favourite saying goodbye is Colombian goal poacher Leonardo Castro. Since signing in January 2018, the 33-year-old featured 122 times for Amakhosi and scored 27 goals over four seasons.

Castro’s fellow striker, Lazalous Kambole, a 2019 acquisition from Zambian side Zesco, is headed for new pastures after scoring two goals in his 46 appearances for the Glamour Boys.

Veteran defender Daniel Cardoso has called time on his Chiefs career with his contract due to expire at month end. The experienced 33-year-old played 185 games in seven seasons and weighed in with 12 goals since arriving in June 2015 from Free State Stars.

The Club has put Kenyan defensive midfielder Anthony Akumu Agay on transfer. The Club will listen to offers from other Clubs for his services. Like Kambole, Agay also arrived at Chiefs from Zesco in Zambia and netted twice in his 47 appearances in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Chiefs and goalkeeper coach Lee Baxter have gone their separate ways after his contract expired. He joined the Amakhosi in February 2018 and worked with different keepers and head coaches in the senior team.

Lastly, Kaizer Chiefs will sadly not renew Bernard Parker’s contract when it expires at the end of June. Parker, a bona fide Kaizer Chiefs legend, will leave the Club he has served with distinction for 11 years. He joined Chiefs in 2011 from the Eredivisie side, FC Twente and his glittering career saw him play 359 matches for Amakhosi and he found the net 62 times.

His exceptional talent and leadership helped Amakhosi to win four major trophies, including two league titles. His professionalism, both on and off the field, is an example to any aspiring young footballer.

The Club would like to thank ‘Die Hond’ for his great service and dedication. He joins the category of great legends of Kaizer Chiefs.

Kaizer Chiefs management will sit down with Parker to look at options of bringing him on board in a different capacity after his playing days. Announcements will be made soon.

In conclusion, everyone at Kaizer Chiefs salutes the players and would like to thank them for their service to the Club over the years.

Farewell gents – we wish you all of the best in the future. Amakhosi4Life!