Chiefs boost ranks
Chiefs give stars time to consider their future
ITUMELENG Khune and Mandla Masango returned to Kaizer Chiefs asking to renew contract negotiations, and like errant infants they were told to go home and think about it.
Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung confirmed for the first time yesterday at the club’s announcement of five new signings that goalkeeper Khune and winger Masango had approached Amakhosi to restart negotiations.
Chiefs announced on June 2 that the club was discontinuing talks to renew the two players’ contracts, along with centreback Tefu Mashamaite’s, amid allegations of unreasonable package demands.
“Itu [Khune] and Mandla came yesterday [on Monday],” Motaung said.
“But obviously there is a cloud around their contract issues and we engaged them personally to find out their state of mind in terms of where they are.
“Unfortunately, both are still not sure what they want and want to achieve. So we’ve agreed for them to go home, relax, there’s no pressure. [They must] take time off, and when they are ready and have found what they truly want, they can talk to us. “But there’s no malice.” Chiefs presented their new signings – centre-backs Siyanda Xulu and Daniel Cardoso, strikers Camaldine Abraw and Bongani Ndulula, and left-back Keegan Ritchie – at a press conference at their headquarters in Naturena.
Lucky Baloyi has also been recalled from a season on loan at Moroka Swallows.
Chiefs have also promoted defender Sibongiseni Ngcobo and midfielder Andisiwe Mtsila from their development squad.
Striker Matthew Rusike has left in a bid to gain a contract in Portugal.
Motaung says Chiefs are likely to make “one or two” more signings. “What we’ve displayed today is what we’ve confirmed – what was available. Going forward we’ll still knock on doors. We still want to give the coach the necessary equipment.
“Xulu is 23, Cardoso 26, Abraw 24, Ritchie 24, Ngcobo 20, Mtsila 20, Baloyi 24. We also have a Ugandan defender training with us – Sula Matovu, who is 22.
“We’re looking to build a strong team not only for this sea- son, but the next three or four.”
New Chiefs coach Steve Komphela strove to immediately reduce the pressure new signings feel as 2014-15 Nedbank Cup and PSL champions.
Addressing the players, he said: “Gentlemen, one thing I want you to know is the fault is not with you when things don’t go right. The fault lies with me. All you have to do is enjoy your game.”
Motaung confirmed Chiefs had approached Bidvest Wits’s 2013-14 PSL player of the season, Sibusiso Vilakazi.
“We’ve engaged Wits, the agent and the player. There is interest from the player’s side but obviously he belongs to Wits.
“And it’s up to them if they want to release the player.
“We’re not going to fight. He’s under contract to Wits and we have to give them respect.”
Cardoso, signed from Free State Stars, and free agent Xulu, released last week by Russian club FC Rostov, arrives as cover for Mashamaite.
Ndulula, from AmaZulu, and Togolese Abraw, also from Stars, only notched nine league goals between them last season, but Motaung believes they have the potential to score more at Chiefs.
Ritchie, who returns to Naturena from Bloemfontein Celtic, had previously had an unsuccessful spell at Slavia Prague.
Abraw was announced as a Celtic signing last week, but there are issues over the player’s alleged pre-contract to Phunya Sele Sele.
‘ We’re looking to build a strong team not only for this season, but the next three or four