Kaizer Chiefs’ squad overhaul has taken another surprising turn with the departure of defender Bongani Sam, who leaves the club without having made a single competitive appearance. The 26-year-old becomes the sixth player to exit Naturena during the current transfer window.
Sam’s premature exit comes just months after his controversial signing from Moroka Swallows in January, where he had been a consistent performer. Despite being brought in to bolster Amakhosi’s defensive options, the left-back failed to break into the matchday squad under either former coach Molefi Ntseki or current mentor Cavin Johnson.
Chiefs’ Exodus Continues
The Soweto giants have now parted ways with half a dozen players since the season ended:
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Edmilson Dove (Mozambique international defender)
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Ranga Chivaviro (Striker after one underwhelming season)
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Mduduzi Mdantsane (Midfielder following limited opportunities)
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Sabelo Radebe (Academy graduate unable to cement place)
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Bongani Sam (Defender who never featured)
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Njabulo Blom (Previously departed for St Louis City in USA)
Questions Over Recruitment Strategy
Sam’s failed stint raises fresh questions about Chiefs’ recent transfer policy, having now wasted resources on two January signings (Sam and Chivaviro) who contributed nothing to the team’s disappointing eighth-place finish.
Club sources suggest more departures could follow as new coach Nasreddine Nabi prepares to stamp his authority on the squad. The Tunisian tactician, expected to arrive this week, will likely want to bring in his own targets during the current transfer window.
What Next for Sam?
The defender now faces a career crossroads, with his representatives reportedly already in talks with several DStv Premiership clubs. His experience at Chiefs, though brief, may still make him an attractive option for mid-table sides needing defensive reinforcement.
For Chiefs fans, Sam’s departure represents another chapter in the club’s ongoing rebuild, with hopes now pinned on Nabi’s impending arrival to finally turn around the fortunes of South Africa’s most supported club. The clearance of deadwood suggests an ambitious recruitment drive could be imminent as Amakhosi look to close the gap on dominant rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.
This mass exodus follows Chiefs’ worst league finish in the PSL era, with the club management clearly determined to refresh the squad. The coming weeks will reveal whether these departures make way for higher-calibre signings or simply represent cost-cutting measures ahead of the new season.