It’s been coming. Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that Samkelo Zwane and Happy Mashiane have gone on loan to Siwelele FC.
The move follows the advice of departed coach Nasreddine Nabi, who had stressed that trimming the 39-man squad was key to giving fringe players proper game time.
The news was announced by the Phefeni Glamour Boys after Monday’s transfer deadline day.
SAMKELO ZWANE AND HAPPY MASHIANE LEAVE KAIZER CHIEFS
Zwane, 23, has featured 36 times for Amakhosi since his promotion in 2023 but managed just 13 appearances last season.
The new arrivals of Thabo Cele, Siphesihle Ndlovu and Lebohang Maboe in central midfield have made his path to the starting XI even tougher, forcing the club to send him out to get minutes elsewhere.
Mashiane, promoted in 2019 by former coach Ernst Middendorp, finds himself in a similar position. The 27-year-old left-back, who has played 69 games for Chiefs, only managed nine appearances last season.
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His best run came in 2020/21 under Gavin Hunt and later Arthur Zwane, when he played 26 times. But with Paseka Mako, Bradley Cross and Nkanyiso Shinga all competing for the same spot this season, opportunities have dried up for the Tembisa-born star.
At Siwelele, Zwane will compete with the likes of Grant Margeman, Siphelele Luthuli and Gape Moralo in central midfield, while Mashiane will share left-back with Lyle Lakay, Neo Rapoo and Aphiwe Baliti.
SIWELELE FC
The duo’s new club Siwelele are currently placed in 14th position with just one win from seven games. Having purchased SuperSport United, Siwelele stunned the football community this week after parting ways with the clubs’ CEO Stan Matthews and assistant coach Andre Arendse.
The former Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates defender Willem Jackson has been appointed as the new assistant coach, while Lerato Kholoanyane is the new CEO.
Coming up for coach Lehlohonolo Seema is the visit of Orlando Pirates at 19:30 at the Toyota Stadium this evening.