The five stars Mamelodi Sundowns are likely to axe

Despite another trailblazing season, reigning DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns look set to ship out five players.

The Tshwane giants have already parted ways with former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates star Andile Jali

Jali had been frozen out since March, culminating in his departure from the club after a five-year sojourn with the side.

Despite being a midfield workhorse enforcer, Jali made his way into the unpopular books of the club by breaching club policy.

And it has now emerged that the reigning DStv Premiership champions, Mamelodi Sundowns are plotting to wield the axe on five players.

WHO ARE THE PLAYERS FACING THE AXE AT SUNDOWNS

The four players, are Erwin Saavedra, Rivaldo Coetzee, Katlego Mohamme, Gift Motupa and Lesedi Kapinga.

Erwin Saavedra has not offered the reigning champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, anything really tangible.

The Bolivian international joined Mamelodi Sundowns in February 2022, amid so much expectations.

However, he appears to have failed to live up to his billing, having spent much of his time at the club nursing a long-term injury.

As a result of the injury, the lanky striker made six appearances for the reigning champions, Mamelodi Sundowns in all competitions this season.

Rivaldo Coetzee has also been affected by injuries, which has seen him fall down the perking order at the club.

Coetzee has been in Mamelodi Sundowns’ books since August 2017 but the just ended campaign was below par for him.

The Northern Cape-born defensive midfield made five appearances during the 2022/23 season.

He played three DStv premiership matches and two Nedbank Cup matches and it looks like his contract might be cut short.

WHY RIVALDO COETZEE BECAME A FRINGE PLAYER

Considering the squad depth at the reigning DStv Premiership champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, he might not break into the team.

As it stands, Khuliso Mudau and former SuperSport United star Teboho Mokoena have done exceptionally well in that position.

Another player in line of being released, Katlego Mohamme, has rather spent more time away from Sundowns.

The 25-year-old dedender who can also play as a left-back or centre back will have a lot to be retained.

Gift Motupa is also in line of being released by the reigning champions since he has been a fringe player.

Last season, the midfielder Motupa notched two goals in the seven matches that he played in all competitions.

However that seems not enough for him to stay at Sundowns amid indications they wants to let him go. His contract, however lapses in June 2025.

The same applies for Lesedi Kapinga whose contract expires in June 2025, but is no onger in the team’s plans.

The centre-forward played six matches during the just ended season, albeit with no goal or assist to his name.

RELATED STORY: Mamelodi Sundowns confirm Andile Jali exit