BREAKING: Kaizer Chiefs Release Nine Players After Internal Review — What’s Next for Rowan Human and Club’s Future?

Kaizer Chiefs have initiated a dramatic squad shakeup after conducting an internal review in the wake of another underwhelming season in the DStv Premiership.

Reports indicate that as many as nine players are set to leave the club imminently, marking one of the biggest roster changes in recent memory.

Among those already confirmed to have departed are forwards Ranga Chivaviro and Sabo Khadebe.

Both struggled to make a lasting impact during their time at Naturena.

Khadebe, a product of Chiefs’ academy, returned from a disappointing loan spell at Richards Bay and was released without establishing himself in the senior squad.

Injabulo Blom also exited, returning to Major League Soccer’s St. Louis City SC after limited game time at Chiefs.

Defensively, Edmilson Dove is expected to leave when his contract expires at the end of June, as the club opts not to renew his deal.

Pacy full-back Ree Frosler’s future remains uncertain.

His contract is nearing expiration, and ongoing negotiations suggest the club might still retain him.

Captain Yusef Martins, despite fan criticism during the season, made headlines by scoring the winning goal in the Nedbank Cup final, silencing many doubters.

However, his long-term status with the club is still under review.

Other players facing possible exits include Edson Castillo, George Mlo, and Dudi Shabalala.

Castillo has battled injury setbacks, while Shabalala, despite a promising start, has not secured a consistent place in the squad.

This overhaul comes at a crucial time as Chiefs prepare for continental competition, having secured qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup through their Nedbank Cup triumph.

The club’s management recognizes the urgent need to strengthen the squad to compete effectively on multiple fronts.

In parallel with these departures, the future of Amazulu FC midfielder Rowan Human is generating significant buzz.

The 24-year-old’s contract with Amazulu expires this month, and his representatives have offered him to both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

Human enjoyed a solid 2024/25 season, contributing three goals and six assists, earning multiple Man of the Match awards and playing a key role in Amazulu’s top-eight league finish and MTN8 qualification.

Sources close to Human suggest he is eager to take the next step in his career, with a move to one of South Africa’s most decorated clubs seen as a natural progression.

His free-agent status makes him an attractive option amid Chiefs’ rebuilding efforts.

However, Chiefs’ pursuit of highly rated winger Asane Velay has hit a legal snag.

Velay’s current club, Cape Town Spurs, is embroiled in a relegation dispute that has escalated to the High Court.

The ongoing legal battle centers on the alleged improper registration of a player by promotion rivals Durban City.

While the PSL disciplinary committee and arbitration panel dismissed the case, confirming Durban City as champions, Cape Town Spurs continue to contest the outcome.

This uncertainty directly affects Velay’s future, as his contract remains valid until the case is resolved.

Should the court uphold Spurs’ relegation, Velay’s contract could become void, allowing him to join another club as a free agent.

Chiefs, undergoing a squad rebuild, are poised to swoop in for Velay once legal clarity is achieved.

The 22-year-old winger has been one of Spurs’ standout performers this past season, attracting interest from multiple top-flight clubs.

Meanwhile, in other South African football news, Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane expressed his excitement ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

Speaking to FIFA TV, Zwane highlighted the team’s determination to represent Africa with pride and compete fiercely against global giants like Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense.

Zwane acknowledged the challenge but emphasized Sundowns’ confidence and ambition to make a lasting impact on the world stage.

His comments reflect the growing stature of South African clubs in international competitions.

Returning focus to Kaizer Chiefs, the club’s management faces critical decisions in the coming weeks.

The release of nine players signals a clear intent to refresh the squad, but the challenge lies in recruiting the right talent to restore competitiveness.

Fans are eager to see how the club navigates this transition.

Questions abound: who should stay, who should go, and which players can Chiefs realistically target to bolster their ranks? The club’s ambitions for continental success hinge on these choices.

Rowan Human’s potential arrival offers hope for midfield creativity, while the legal resolution of Asane Velay’s transfer saga could provide a timely boost to the attack.

Meanwhile, the fate of experienced players like Frosler and Castillo remains a topic of intense speculation.

In conclusion, Kaizer Chiefs are at a crossroads.

The internal review and subsequent squad overhaul underscore the urgency to improve after a disappointing season.

With continental football beckoning, the club must act decisively to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.

The coming weeks will be pivotal for Chiefs as they seek to reclaim their place at the summit of South African football.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see how this storied club reinvents itself.

What are your thoughts on the Chiefs’ squad overhaul?

Who should stay, who should leave, and which players should the club pursue next?

Share your views in the comments below and stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.