Wits have sacked defender Mbulelo "OJ" Mabizela after a breakdown in relations with the coaching staff.

The former Bafana Bafana captain's contract with the Premier League club was terminated early this week, after a meeting between the player and the club management, six months before it was due to expire.

Coach Antonio Lopez Habas told the rest of the players on Wednesday morning.

Wits co-director George Mogotsi said The Clever Boys ended the contract after Habas informed the management that Mabizela no longer featured in his plans.

"There is nothing wrong that OJ did, he is a great player," said Mogotsi. "Behaviour-wise OJ was fine."

However, Mogotsi's version does not tally with that of one of the senior players, who said:

"Coach Habas addressed us on Wednesday after training. He informed us OJ was no longer a Wits player because of disagreements with the technical staff".

Attempts to speak to Mabizela yesterday were unsuccessful.

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