Half a dozen Kaizer Chiefs stars have been ruled out with Nasreddine Nabi set to appoint a new captain.

Kaizer Chiefs will have their squad depth tested following the recent squad update.

A total of SIX Amakhosi stars have been ruled out including captain, Yusuf Maart. Meaning, Nabi will have to appoint a new captain for their next Nedbank Cup Last 16 clash against Chippa United.

MUST READ: KAIZER CHIEFS SIGNINGS & EXITS: FIVE IN, FIVE OUT? – LATEST

HALF A DOZEN CHIEFS STARS RULED OUT

Yusuf Maart, Ashley Du Preez, Dillan Solomons, Wandile Duba, Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Edson Castillo (long-term) have all been ruled out of Chiefs’ next match, according to SNL.

Furthermore, George Matlou faces a late fitness test and is also likely to be unavailable.

Meaning, Nabi will have to select a new Amakhosi captain, on an interim basis. Moreover, Chiefs squad depth will be tested. Especially, up front with both Du Preez and Duba ruled out.

Thankfully, Amakhosi recently appointed two new attackers – Tashreeq Morris and Glody Lilepo. So, both men are expected to start moving forward. Meanwhile, the likes of Solomons, Mthethwa and Castillo haven’t featured much under Nabi.

This is because Mthethwa and Castillo have been injured most of the season. Whilst, Solomons is no longer first-choice with Reeve Frosler stepping up.

AMAKHOSI’S NEXT CAPTAIN

Maart’s injury has opened the door of opportunity for a ‘new’ Chiefs captain.

So, who will wear the Amakhosi arm band?

In all likeliness, Inacio Miguel will wear the captains arm band. The stout centre back has been physical and firm on defence. However, discipline has let him down with the vice-captain picking up a couple of suspensions so far. He will have to lead by example and work on his discipline if he is appointed as Chiefs captain during Maarts absence.

The PSL’s January transfer window has been relatively quiet but could soon snowball into a transfer frenzy.

Several stars are expected to be jumping ship.

Rumours around the league

• Kaizer Chiefs are upping their pursuit of midfielder Sinoxolo Kwayiba and are willing to let Christian Saile go the other way.
• Orlando Pirates forward Zakhele Lepasa could be used in exchange for Polokwane’s Oswin Appollis or Thabang Matuludi.
• According to reports, Kaizer Chiefs, who upped their transfer budget to R100 million, will outbid Orlando Pirates for PSL star Appollis.

Basadien to Pirates?

Another Bafana star on Pirates and Chiefs’ radar is Stellenbosch star Fawaaz Basadien, who is tipped to join PSL frontrunners the Buccaneers.

“With Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns having so far failed to sign Stellenbosch FC and Bafana Bafana left-back Fawaaz Basadien, Orlando Pirates have a plan, and they have joined the scene with the aim of signing him,

“They could offload captain Innocent Maela together with Paseka Mako to get Basadien. They have come up with that strategy as they want to strengthen their left-back position in the quest to conquer both locally and in Africa, and that is why they want to move in for Basadien. So, that’s what is believed to be their plan for now to attract Basadien to Pirates.”

Mamelodi Sundowns are reportedly actively placing one of their key players on the transfer list this January window.

Sundowns are known to have a huge squad with quality players in all departments fighting to be in the matchday squad.

Shalulile has been prolific since joining Sundowns

This season, one player that has found himself on the peripheries is star striker Peter Shalulile. The Namibian international joined Sundowns at the start of the 2020/21 season, after being prolific for Highlands Park. The step up was not daunting for him at all, and in fact, saw him go up to another level. Since joining Masandawana, he has been one of the most deadly strikers in South African football netting 95 goals in 180 starts and providing 25 assists..

But in the last two seasons his influence has become less and less. This season, Shalulile has found himself playing second fiddle to new signing Iqraam Rayners. With the Bafana Bafana international scoring an impressive 13 goals in 17 matches, it has been hard to displace him as the main man upfront at Sundowns.

Now according to FARPost that has led to Sundowns putting Shalulile on the transfer market!

Club puts him up for sale!

“Mamelodi Sundowns are reportedly entertaining offers for Namibian forward Peter Shalulile as they actively pursue new striker options for the January transfer window. Shalulile is reportedly seeking a move away from Chloorkop as the club works behind the scenes to bolster its attacking department. Although his contract runs until June 2025 with an option for a further two years, indications are that the club is in discussions with interested parties, potentially paving the way for the Namibia international’s departure.

The 31-year-old’s impact has diminished this season, making only 11 starts in 24 matches across all competitions. He has also made eight substitute appearances, scoring four goals.” Wrote the publication.

With Shalulile turning 32 this year, would it be the right move to cash in on him this window? Or should Sundowns hold out until the end of the season or use him at the Club World Cup? Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings in the comments below.

The Springboks enjoyed a memorable 2024 Test season, claiming 11 wins out of 13, which included securing a Rugby Championship title, a clean-sweep on the end-of-year tour and finishing the year at No 1.

Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks will be determined to build on that momentum, and while they might have a relatively ‘easy’ start to the 2025 season, there are also some incredibly challenging fixtures in their schedule.

Besides back-to-back Tests in New Zealand, it is also reported that both France and Ireland will lie in wait on the end-of-year tour, completing a 13-Test fixture list for 2025.

Springboks’ 2025 Test schedule:

5 July: vs Italy, Venue TBC
12 July: vs Italy, TBC
19 July: vs Georgia, TBC
16 August: vs Australia, TBC
23 August: vs Australia, TBC
6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland
13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington
27 September: vs Argentina, TBC
4 October: vs Argentina, London
1 November: vs Wales, Cardiff
8 November: vs France, Paris
15 November: vs Italy, TBC
22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin

WHICH FIXTURES ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?

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By the numbers in 2024

#1 on the World Rugby Rankings
13 Tests Played
11 Tests won
2 Tests lost
57 tries scored
23 tries conceded (three clean-sheets, against Australia, New Zealand and Scotland)
450 points scored
220 points conceded
50 players used
4 captains (Kolisi, Moerat, Du Toit and Etzebeth)
3 World Rugby Player of the Year nominations (Du Toit, Etzebeth and Kolbe)
12 new caps

New caps:
Jordan Hendrikse
Edwill vd Merwe
Ben-Jason Dixon
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Johan Grobbelaar
Phepsi Buthelezi
Morne van den Berg
Andre-Hugo Venter
Ruan Venter
Quan Horn
Cameron Hanekom

50th Tests
Vincent Koch
Kwagga Smith

Erasmus’ charges also added two notable trophies to the cabinet at SARU House in Cape Town – the Rugby Championship trophy (last won in 2019) and the Freedom Cup (against New Zealand, last held in 2009).

The Springboks also retained the Prince William Cup (against Wales), the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate (against Australia) and the Qatar Airways Cup.

These trophies boosted an already impressive trophy cabinet, which includes four Webb Ellis Cups and the last two British & Irish Lions Series trophies (2009 and 2021), amongst others.

The Springboks entered the 2024 Outgoing Tour with confidence after clinching the Rugby Championship title against New Zealand, Australia and Argentina, and they continued to make the country proud by registering a clean sweep of victories over Scotland, England, and Wales – the first time since 2013 they have achieved this remarkable feat.

During the course of the 2024 Test season, the Springboks used as many as 50 players across 13 Tests, handed out 12 new caps and dished out game time to all 35 available players on an undefeated end-of-year tour.

As excitement builds towards the 2025 international season, these are the players we believe could come into contention for a Springbok debut this year.

THREE PLAYERS WE PREDICT WILL EARN SPRINGBOK HONOURS:

Henco van Wyk

There is simply no doubt that the 23-year-old – who was named the Junior Springbok Player of the Year in 2021 – is one of the most exciting prospects in South African rugby.

Last year, he was also the only internationally uncapped nominee for SA Rugby Young Player of the Year, having been named alongside Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cameron Hanekom, Quan Horn and Jordan Hendrikse.

Despite the fact Van Wyk has endured some struggles with injury, he is the sort of player with all the attributes that should catch the eye of Rassie Erasmus. Although relatively diminutive in stature, the Lions centre uses his low centre of gravity to great effect, boasting real strength, a strong step and a remarkable work rate.

If he can stay injury free in 2025, he is destined for Springboks honours this season.

Suleiman Hartzenberg

If 2024 was the season of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, there is every chance that this year could see the breakthrough of his Stormers teammate Suleiman Hartzenberg.

The 21-year-olds boasts versatility, speed and tons of natural talent which Erasmus will surely be keen to hone in the Springbok camp.

Just last year, Hartzenberg earned a ringing endorsement from former Springbok wing Breyton Paulse, who made a similar call about his credentials for higher honours: “In terms of young players and players knocking on the door for the tour, I do really like Suleiman Hartzenberg. I do feel he has the potential,” Paulse said.

“I put my pen on paper to say he will be a Springbok one day. He has all the credentials. He has the identity and personality.”

Neethling Fouché

The experienced prop was probably one of the most unlucky players to miss out on a Test cap in 2024, especially considering that he was on the fringes of the Springbok squad at times.

Fouché is a true attacking scrummager, and his power and mobility undoubtedly caught the eye of the Bok coaches, but ultimately Frans Malherbe, Vincent Koch and in-form Thomas du Toit ‘blocked’ his pathway to an international cap last year.

Fouché may be 32-years-old, but that is often a stage when props can still perform at their peak with all the experience of the dark arts at scrum time, and this season could finally see the popular Stormers front rower make the step up to the Test stage.

Former Springbok forwards coach Gary Gold recently endorsed the virtues of the Stormers stalwart, stating: “Neethling is technically really sound, but he’s good around the park as well. He’s mobile for a tighthead, it doesn’t compromise on his size and his weight and his strength. But he gets around the park.”

New caps from 2024:
Jordan Hendrikse
Edwill vd Merwe
Ben-Jason Dixon
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Johan Grobbelaar
Phepsi Buthelezi
Morne van den Berg
Andre-Hugo Venter
Ruan Venter
Quan Horn
Cameron Hanekom

Despite Monday’s report, Kaizer Chiefs’ Christian Saile might be staying in Gauteng instead of moving to Chippa United.

SUPERSPORT UNITED TO HIJACK CHRISTIAN SAILE MOVE?

According to Monday’s report, Congolese forward Saile was on his way out of Amakhosi to Gqeberha to join Chippa on loan. “SABC Sport has established that Kaizer Chiefs and Chippa United are close to agreeing a deal for striker Christian Saile,” said Mazola Molefe.

“The Glamour Boys are desperate to free up a foreign spot in anticipation of signing an international forward and this potential move would be ideal for the club to bring in a replacement almost immediately. Saile joined Chiefs exactly two years ago from Zambian outfit Nchana Rangers with the hope that he could replicate the form that made him a household name at his former club and on the continent.

“But after a total 49 matches in all competitions, the DR Congo striker has managed only six goals and has featured more as a wide player.”

SUPERSPORT UNITED ENTER THE RACE

According to the same outlet, SuperSport have taken a sudden lead in signing the Kaizer Chiefs forward.

“SABC Sport has established that SuperSport United are now in talks with Kaizer Chiefs to persuade them to agree a transfer over winger Christian Saile,” Molefe updated. “It’s understood Chiefs are willing to accept a loan deal with an option to buy at the end of this season, with Saile’s contract set to run out in July next year. Chippa initially looked favourites to land the deal, but SuperSport have now opened their own discussions with Amakhosi, and it’s believed they are now frontrunners,” the report concluded.

Kaizer Chiefs will be releasing a multitude of talent to other clubs this January.

Kaizer Chiefs are set to make big changes to playing personnel in the current PSL transfer window.

Moreover, some players will be loaned out. Whilst, other Amakhosi stars will be released permanently.

Recommended: Kaizer Chiefs & Orlando Pirates Transfer News | Mofokeng OUT, Tau IN

FULL LIST OF CHIEFS STARS HEADING OUT

• Aden McCarthy
• Zitha Kwinika
• Thatayaone Ditlhokwe
• George Matlou
• Christian Saille

McCarthy and Saille were both initially not a part of Nabi’s plans.

However, due to Chiefs failing to sign a striker in the last transfer window they had to keep Saile at the club. Meanwhile, McCarthy is yet to feature.

Meaning, the DDC academy product will likely be loaned out given the current pecking order.

DEPTH TO LEAD TO DEPARTURES

As things stand, Rushwin Dortley and Inacio Miguel are Chiefs’ first choice centre backs.

Additionally, Given Msimango is the preferred replacement. So, both Kwinika and Ditlhokwe are likely heading out of Naturena.

Furthermore, midfielder, Matlou is linked with a probable departure out of Naturena too.

“It’s clear that he’s not in the coach’s plans and he might be offloaded as early as January,” an insider reported on Phakaaati.

Ultimately, Chiefs have Gaston Sirino, Yusuf Maart, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Edson Castillo and Mduduzi Shabalala in the midfield. He is unlikely to get any game time if he stays at Naturena.

Therefore, it is in the aforementioned players best interest to find a new club in order to play more frequently. This is essential to their international ambitions.

Six Kaizer Chiefs players will be out of contract in June and many of them are likely not to renew.

In July, the Soweto giants recruited Nasreddine Nabi as their new head coach and the Tunisian has brought noticeable changes to the club. Under his leadership, Amakhosi have won four of their first seven league matches and are currently sixth in the Betway Premiership.

Kaizer Chiefs have six players out of contract end of the season

With the January transfer window opening in four weeks, Kaizer Chiefs are more likely to bring in new players. That will ultimately mean that those who are out of contract soon might either be sold or allowed to leave for free.

We look at six Kaizer Chiefs players whose contracts expires next year in June.

Yusuf Maart

The 29-year-old has not been in the best of form this season but in the last two matches, he has shown improvement. Nabi has backed his vice-captain to improve this season which could earn him a contract extension.

Amakhosi to bring in new players in January

Edmilson Dove

The Mozambican utility player is currently out injured and might have to fight for his place back into the team. it remains unlikely that Kaizer Chiefs would extend Dove’s contract given the fact that he is yet to feature this season.

Edson Castillo

The 30-year-old suffered an injury that kept him out for months. Before his injury, he showed flashes of brilliance and might have a chance to fight for his place in the team when he recovers. Nabi has shown faith in him and it won’t be a surprise if Kaizer Chiefs offer him a new contract

Ranga Chivaviro

The 31-year-old striker is one of Nabi’s favourites. Having banged three goals already this season, it won’t be a surprise to see Ranga extend his Chiefs stay by a year or two. In the past two matches, however, he has lost his place to in-form Ashley du Preez.

George Matlou

Matlou has not featured this season due to an injury. He will likely leave in January as Nabi doesn’t seem to have plans for him.

Reeve Frosler

The right-back has been a regular under Nabi and he will likely negotiate a new contract with Kaizer Chiefs in the coming months.

Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng is reportedly attracting interest from Spanish giants Barcelona FC!

The incredibly talented winger has taken the Premier Soccer League (PSL) by storm after making his first team debut in 2023.

At the tender age of 20-years-old, Mofokeng has already made 57 appearances for the Buccaneers. Mofokeng has scored 10 goals while assisting 14 more thus far.

And now, reports suggest the Orlando Pirates wizard has caught the eye of Barcelona FC!

Orlando Pirates star linked with Barcelona move

“There have been enquiries from Barcelona on Relebohile Mofokeng. The boy has been monitored by the coaches of the Barcelona B team with interest,” an insider told Soccer Laduma regarding the Orlando Pirates sensation.

“They have been following him and made approaches with some of their contacts in the PSL, including certain coaches they know closely, asking about the player.

“He is a player with potential to play in some of the top leagues in Europe and the feedback has been positive on the enquiries made.”

In other news, Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has opened up on his future at the club.

The Buccaneers are in red-hot form this season, and the last thing fans would like to see is losing their serial-winning coach!

Jose has already lifted three MTN8 titles as well as two Nedbank Cup trophies since joining Orlando Pirates just over two years ago.

With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Spanish tactician has confirmed he’ll be holding key talks with the club’s management to decide the way forward.

Jose opens up on Orlando Pirates future

“It’s a good question. It’s probably an important one for many people. I’ll give the standard answer and say right now we are in a very important period of the season. We are not even half way into the season,” the Orlando Pirates mentor told Marawa Sports World as quoted by Soccer Laduma.

“It’s true that I’m ending my contract in the current season. There’ll probably be a moment where we can sit down and have that conversation.

“Let’s see what happens after that, but right now it’s a moment for the team and fans to stay together because we work so hard to find ourselves in the situation Orlando Pirates are in right now.

“We are in the business of football. And, you never know what’s going to happen but we will have a moment to talk about it.”