BREAKING: Kaizer Chiefs Cut Ties with Edison Castillo as Terrence Mashego Eyes Naturena Move
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Edison Castillo appears set to leave Naturena ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The 31-year-old Venezuelan international has been assessing his future after a difficult campaign plagued by injury, which saw him feature in only seven matches.
Castillo quickly became a fan favorite during his debut season at Chiefs, scoring five goals in 32 appearances and showcasing his attacking prowess from midfield.
However, his momentum was halted by a broken fibula that severely limited his playing time in his second year.
Despite signing a one-year contract extension with an option to renew in February, uncertainty now clouds Castillo’s long-term role in the squad.
Sources close to the club indicate mixed feelings among the technical team about his future contribution.
New head coach Nazarin Nabi is reportedly open to the possibility of Castillo’s departure, which could free up one of the foreign player slots.
This would allow Chiefs to pursue fresh talent as they look to strengthen the squad for the upcoming season.
Castillo’s representatives are actively exploring interest from other clubs during the offseason, particularly if regular starting opportunities at Chiefs cannot be guaranteed.
The midfielder is eager to regain consistent playing time to revive his career.
Fans are now left wondering whether Chiefs should give Castillo another chance to prove himself or move on and focus on younger, fitter players.
The debate continues as the club prepares for a crucial rebuilding phase.
In other news, Kaizer Chiefs are rekindling their pursuit of Terrence Mashego, the left back currently at Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mashego, 28, was notably excluded from Sundowns’ FIFA Club World Cup squad in the United States, signaling he may no longer be central to coach Miguel Kadosu’s plans.
Mashego’s 2024/25 season was challenging, with just five appearances in the Premier Soccer League.
He has fallen behind competitors such as Aubrey Mudiba, Divine Lunga, and rising star Aero Diwani in the pecking order.
The Bafana Bafana defender, who was part of the national team that won bronze at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cordoba, is reportedly open to a transfer in search of more regular playing time.
Chiefs had shown interest in Mashego during the previous transfer window, but Sundowns opted to retain him at the time.
Now, with Amakosi eager to reinforce their left side of defense, insiders suggest Mashego remains a prime target.
Mashego still has a year left on his contract, but a move to Naturena could be mutually beneficial.
It would offer Mashego a chance to revive his club form and push for a return to the national team while providing Chiefs with a quality defensive option.
Meanwhile, drama is unfolding at Orlando Pirates involving winger Monnapule Saleng.
Reports indicate that Salen has been at odds with Pirates’ management for some time, primarily over dissatisfaction with his salary relative to his contributions on the field.
The 27-year-old attacker sought to renegotiate his contract, but the club reportedly refused to budge, souring the relationship.
Salen has not featured for Pirates since December, when he played in a goalless CAF Champions League match against Al Ahly.
Though his contract expired at the end of last season, Pirates exercised an option to extend it, a move that may have frustrated the player.
Speculation now links Salen with a possible transfer to Kaizer Chiefs, although nothing official has emerged.
A Pirates legend recently defended the club’s handling of the situation, emphasizing that contracts are negotiated and agreed upon by both parties.
He stressed that players must honor the terms of their contracts and that renegotiations should be handled professionally rather than through threats or refusals to play.
The legend’s perspective highlights the complexities of contract management in professional football and the importance of clear communication between players and clubs.
As tensions simmer between Pirates and Saleng, Chiefs continue to restructure their squad and seek reinforcements.
These intertwined stories reflect the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of South African football’s transfer market.
Ultimately, Chiefs face critical decisions on how to balance experience and youth, manage foreign player slots, and build a team capable of challenging for trophies.
Meanwhile, Pirates must resolve internal conflicts and maintain squad harmony to sustain their competitiveness.
Fans across the country eagerly await further updates on these developments.
Should Chiefs part ways with Castillo and bring in Mashego?
Will Salen’s saga conclude with a switch to Amakosi?
The coming weeks promise to be pivotal for both clubs.
We invite you to share your thoughts: Should Kaizer Chiefs give Edison Castillo another chance or move on?
Is Terrence Mashego the defensive boost Chiefs need?
And how should Orlando Pirates handle the Munaple Salen dispute?
Join the conversation below.
