The mass exodus of Kaizer Chiefs players from Naturena dominated the headlines in South African soccer circles last week.
As extensively reported by The South African website, no fewer than NINE players saw their contracts not renewed, while another player was transfer-listed.
Amakhosi also got rid of goalkeeping coach Lee Baxter, who is the son of former coach Stuart Baxter – who himself was axed shortly before the end of last season.
Those players who will be looking for new employment ahead of the 2022/23 DStv Premiership season are Lazarous Kambole, Daniel Cardoso, Daniel Akpeyi, Lebogang Manyama, Leonardo Castro, Kearyn Baccus, Dumisani Zuma, Bernard Parker and Samir Nurkovic.
Anthony Akumu was placed on the transfer list as he still has a year left on his current deal.
The arrival of Aubrey Mathibe as the new man in charge of training the shot-stoppers at Naturena saw Lee Baxter’s services no longer required.
As the time of publishing, Kaizer Chiefs have only confirmed the signings of three players – although, predictably, they have been linked to several more.
Those players who will be wearing the colours of the Glamour Boys next season are Siyethemba Sithebe (from AmaZulu) and former Stellenbosch FC duo Ashley du Preez and Zitha Kwinika.
According to the respected Transfermarkt website, Kaizer Chiefs have discarded R73.348 million worth of players.
Those values were as at 15 January 2022 and based on Sunday, 5 June’s euro/rand exchange rate of €1 / R16.67.
Daniel Cardoso is the most valuable of those leaving Naturena with the 33-year-old defender tagged with a value of €800 000 (R13.336 million).
Meanwhile, Lazarous Kambole is the cheapest at €150 000 (R2.5 million).
No value for Lee Baxter was available.
