Chippa United is parting ways with Thabo Rakhale
● Club not renewing former Pirates player’s contract
Chippa United and influential winger Thabo Rakhale are going their separate ways.
The club said yesterday that they would not be renewing the contact of the 30-year-old former Orlando Pirates player.
Chippa sent out a short statement to their Eastern Cape media WhatsApp group that read: “Thabo Rakhale’s contract has expired.
“We can confirm the club and Thabo have amicably decided to part ways.
“The club would like to thank Thabo “Jomo” Rakhale for his service at the club for the past three years.
“He will surely be remembered. Wish him well on his future endeavours.”
Chippa COO Lukhanyo Mzinzi confirmed that the PSL team from the Eastern Cape would also not be renewing the contract of Tebogo Makobela.
The 27-year-old former Jomo Cosmos defender suffered tibia and fibula fractures while playing against Kaizer Chiefs in the final game of last season.
After undergoing a successful operation and recovery period, Makobela was ready to make his comeback and had waited patiently on the sidelines only to see the PSL suspended as a result of Covid-19.
The two are the latest to exit the Chilli Boys camp after the departure of coach Rulani Mokwena, whose contract has not been renewed.
Mokwena was loaned to Chippa from Pirates until the of the season and his contracted lapsed at the end of June.
Chippa have installed the club’s MultiChoice Diski Challenge coach, Mbuyiselo Sambu, as caretaker of the senior team while management search for a suitable replacement.
In another statement, the club refuted allegations in a national daily that Mokwena had made unreasonable salary demands.
They also denied Mokwena was “impossible” to work with.
“The communication and negotiations between the club and the coach have been handled professionally at all times, and we have every intention to formally challenge spurious reporting surrounding this matter,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns have finally confirmed the signing of Bafana Bafana midfielder George Maluleka.
The Brazilians said Maluleka‚ who joins from arch-rivals Chiefs‚ has signed a three-year contract to give coach Pitso Mosimane more options in central midfield.
“Mamelodi Sundowns is delighted to announce that George Maluleka has signed a three-year deal with the Brazilians,” Sundowns said in a statement
“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic‚ the transfer window in SA is closed until the 2019/2020 season reaches its conclusion and Maluleka will be registered as soon as it opens.”
Maluleka will not play any part during the remainder of the current season that has been suspended due to the coronavirus. “For the time being Maluleka will not be able to feature, but will start training and getting acquainted with his new club and teammates.
“The Yellow Nation welcomes George Maluleka to the most successful team in the PSL era.”
Maluleka joins a Sundowns side that has fierce competition in central midfield as he will compete for a place with the likes of Andile Jali‚ captain Hlompho Kekana‚ Tiyani Mabunda and Rivaldo Coetzee.
He joins a long list of players who have moved from Naturena to Chloorkop over the years, including Brian Baloyi‚ Jabulani Mendu‚ David Kannemeyer‚ Derrick Spencer‚ Thuso Phala‚ Punch Masenamela and George Lebese. —