Chiefs stick with trio
Kaizer Chiefs have renewed the contracts of three of their players as plans for the resumption of the Absa Premiership gathers momentum at Naturena.
Amakhosi were leading the race for the league title when the fixtures were paused in March following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
Professional clubs were last week given permission by the government to return to active football after the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) biological health plan was approved by both the South African government and Fifa.
The matter of players whose contracts come to an end today became a big topic, but PSL boss Irvin Khoza was quoted at the weekend saying clubs and players should find a way to make it work in order to finish the league programme with the same complement of players to protect the dignity of the game.
Amakhosi has since moved quickly to retain the services of Siphelele Ntshangase, Philani Zulu and Brylon Petersen, who have committed to the Naturena-based side for a further year.
Ntshangase and Zulu’s stay at Amakhosi was said to be nearing an end as they had failed to make the grade under coach Ernst Middendorp. But yesterday the club announced they had extended their deals by a year.
Ntshangase expressed his excitement at being afforded another chance to try and make an impression at Chiefs.
“Foremost, I am emotional about it. I want to thank the chairman (Kaizer Motaung) for this opportunity. I want to thank everyone involved in ensuring that I can still contribute to this immense institution,” said Ntshangase.
Zulu promise to work even harder after he was also given a second chance at the club which he joined from Maritzburg United three years ago.
“I feel happy and grateful. All I can do to show gratitude and appreciation is to continue working to the best of my ability. I want to give back to the club,” he said.
Amakhosi are yet to disclose how they will handle the issue of influential midfielder George Maluleke, who had signed with Mamelodi Sundowns and was expected to start at Chloorkop in July.