Two of the players that were understood to have been offered contracts by Kaizer Chiefs joined new teams last week, but a decision is pending on one more.
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Sifiso Hlanti and Phathutshedzo Nange were confirmed as new arrivals by Swallows FC and Stellenbosch FC, respectively - and it is expected they will return to Chiefs on July 1, 2021.
But there was no official word regarding goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, a player the Siya crew reported had also begun training with Chiefs last month after coach Gavin Hunt identified him as captain Itumeleng Khune’s long term successor.
Hunt worked with all three players at Bidvest Wits before the club was sold to businessman Masala Mulaudzi, renamed Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila and relocated to Venda three months ago in a move that shocked the football fraternity.
Petersen had also attracted interest from Orlando Pirates, but their focus quickly moved to Richard Ofori from Maritzburg United.
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The Siya crew broke the news that Chiefs were in talks to offer Petersen a long term contract before Hunt let the cat out the bag that Amakhosi were going to have to release the players that were “training” with them on “loan” to get regular game time. His remarks all but confirmed reports that the club had signed these players.
Chiefs can’t register players this season because of the FIFA ban. However, they are understood to have struck agreements with Swallows and Stellies for the two players to be cleared for a return next season.
However, with Petersen still nursing a knee injury, it’s thought he will continue his recovery at Naturena before a decision can be taken on where to send him for the remainder of the 2020/21 season to get back to a competitive level.
Story by @superjourno
Check out the players Chiefs were eyeing before their appeal against the FIFA ban was dismissed!