While Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela was cagey about the likely return of goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and midfielder Mandla Masango‚ new Amakhosi captain Siphiwe Tshabalala on Wednesday talked up the talent of the clubless duo‚ whose acrimonious departure made headlines last month.
Khune and Masango‚ who became free agents on June 30 when their contracts at Chiefs expired‚ are still due to meet the club’s football manager Bobby Motaung this week for talks that should put an end to speculation regarding their future.
The two players‚ along with Tefu Mashamaite‚ the Amakhosi skipper last season‚ were accused of making unreasonable demands when negotiating new deals.
It is understood that Komphela is keen to see Khune in particular rejoin the Glamour Boys‚ however‚ on Wednesday‚ the coach was mum on any updates.
“I think that process is still ongoing and I don’t want to make premature comments‚ because tomorrow I may have to revisit what I say now. I will leave the process to unfold‚” he said.
Tshabalala‚ who was confirmed as the Chiefs captain on Tuesday‚ was a bit more open.
“If that is the case‚ and it is true that they might come back…we will welcome them. They are no strangers to this club‚ they are good players and they are great role models. They will definitely add value in the team‚” Tshabalala said.
He further admitted that‚ being a close friend to Khune‚ it was strange having to move on minus the shot-stopper ahead of the new Premier Soccer League season.
Speaking days before Chiefs face their bitter rivals Orlando Pirates in the annual pre-season Carling Black Label Cup on Saturday afternoon at FNB Stadium‚ Tshabalala said: “I played with Itu for more than six years‚ Mandla and Mashamaite as well. Those were quality players and they contributed a lot to our success. It was sad to see them leave the team‚ but I won’t dwell much on that.
“I just want to wish them well because that is the nature of our career and business because players and coaches come and go.”
Khune and Masango were scheduled for a sit-down with Motaung on Tuesday‚ but the meeting was postponed to a later date. Mashamaite‚ who is also in limbo and looking for a club following his unsuccessful 10-day trial period with Major League Soccer side New York City FC in the United States‚ still appears to be a target for Mamelodi Sundowns.
Komphela said to be keen on Khune returning
While Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela was cagey about the likely return of goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and midfielder Mandla Masango‚ new Amakhosi captain Siphiwe Tshabalala on Wednesday talked up the talent of the clubless duo‚ whose acrimonious departure made headlines last month.
Khune and Masango‚ who became free agents on June 30 when their contracts at Chiefs expired‚ are still due to meet the club’s football manager Bobby Motaung this week for talks that should put an end to speculation regarding their future.
The two players‚ along with Tefu Mashamaite‚ the Amakhosi skipper last season‚ were accused of making unreasonable demands when negotiating new deals.
It is understood that Komphela is keen to see Khune in particular rejoin the Glamour Boys‚ however‚ on Wednesday‚ the coach was mum on any updates.
“I think that process is still ongoing and I don’t want to make premature comments‚ because tomorrow I may have to revisit what I say now. I will leave the process to unfold‚” he said.
Tshabalala‚ who was confirmed as the Chiefs captain on Tuesday‚ was a bit more open.
“If that is the case‚ and it is true that they might come back…we will welcome them. They are no strangers to this club‚ they are good players and they are great role models. They will definitely add value in the team‚” Tshabalala said.
He further admitted that‚ being a close friend to Khune‚ it was strange having to move on minus the shot-stopper ahead of the new Premier Soccer League season.
Speaking days before Chiefs face their bitter rivals Orlando Pirates in the annual pre-season Carling Black Label Cup on Saturday afternoon at FNB Stadium‚ Tshabalala said: “I played with Itu for more than six years‚ Mandla and Mashamaite as well. Those were quality players and they contributed a lot to our success. It was sad to see them leave the team‚ but I won’t dwell much on that.
“I just want to wish them well because that is the nature of our career and business because players and coaches come and go.”
Khune and Masango were scheduled for a sit-down with Motaung on Tuesday‚ but the meeting was postponed to a later date. Mashamaite‚ who is also in limbo and looking for a club following his unsuccessful 10-day trial period with Major League Soccer side New York City FC in the United States‚ still appears to be a target for Mamelodi Sundowns.
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