Kaizer Chiefs have strengthened their left-back position with the additions of Nkanyiso Shinga and Paseka Mako, creating a potential logjam with incumbents Bradley Cross and Happy Mashiane competing for limited spots in the upcoming season.
As previously reported by Soccer Laduma, Mashiane was notably absent from the team's Netherlands pre-season training camp, so the player was expected to leave Amakhosi.
However, insiders close to the club have indicated that the Chiefs youth product is prepared to fight for his place in the squad.
"Now it's about the player. Yes, he didn't travel to Holland because the club is looking at the possibility of releasing him either on loan or permanently. If there is a team willing to buy him. But it's believed the player himself has requested the club to give him a last chance to fight for his place," the insider told Soccer Laduma.
Meanwhile, a second insider stated that Mashiane has communicated his readiness to compete with the new arrivals for a place in the team.
"It's believed that it is a wake-up call to him, to go out there and compete with the other defenders in his position. The player is believed to be ready to give all of his best and stay with the club. That's his request for this forthcoming season," the second insider told the Siya crew.
The 27-year-old defender was promoted to Chiefs' senior team in 2018 after impressing in the DDC setup. Despite being hampered by injuries last season, he managed to make some appearances in the Betway Premiership. It remains to be seen if Mashiane will play for Amakhosi in the upcoming season, or not.
Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for comment regarding Mashiane's situation but received no response at the time of publishing.
