Former Kaizer Chiefs attacker Junior Khanye has added his thoughts to the clubs ongoing contract dilemma involving George Maluleka.
‘Mido’ is edging every closer to the final days of his Amakhosi stay having rejected a new deal three months ago to join rivals Mamelodi Sundowns instead, but a decision on whether he will remain at Naturena to see out the 2019/21 season is yet to be taken.
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Next week, on June 30, Maluleka’s contract will expire.
“I don’t understand why Kaizer Chiefs waited for Maluleka’s contract to enter into the last six months. But knowing Chiefs, I don’t think they would play George if the season was to resume now that he has signed a pre-contract with Sundowns and is nearing the end of his contract with them,” Khanye told the Siya crew.
He added that he was of the opinion Downs recruited Maluleka to destabilise Amakhosi in the Absa Premiership title race.
“I don’t think Sundowns needed George as they have many quality players already in his position. I think the coach of Sundowns, Pitso Mosimane, was just disturbing Chiefs in their chase of the league title. He wanted to shift their focus.
“I mean, quality players like Oupa Manyisa, Lucky Mohomi (now leaving) and Bangaly Soumahoro, who sometimes plays in that central midfield position, do not even make the matchday squads. A player like Tiyani Mabunda won a star with Sundowns and is not even playing regularly. Where is George going to fit in? For me, Chiefs made a mistake by not acting fast to renew his contract.”
Khanye argued Chiefs should opt to rely on the players that are staying at Naturena beyond the current season.
“If I were to advise Chiefs, I would say they must bring back Siphelele Ntshangase and play him alongside (Kearyn) Baccus as (Willard) Katsande has been injured. I don’t know how Katsande is now but I think they should consider finishing the season with Ntshangase and Baccus playing in midfield,” he suggested.
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There are a few more players with uncertain futures as June 30 approaches
