Kaizer Chiefs lose R40 million man for free, replacement found
The 31-year-old Venezuelan international joined Amakhosi in 2023 and has since played 40 games, scoring five goals. Notably, he was not included in the squad that recently completed pre-season training in the Netherlands.
According to Soccer Laduma , Kaizer Chiefs may have identified a young player to fill Castillo's role. Insiders have reported that Amakhosi has offered 20-year-old Thulani Mabaso a three-year contract, running from July 2025 to June 2028, with an additional one-year option that could extend his stay until 2029.
'He is the one who could feature more this season amongst those recently promoted and they are believed to have offered him a three-year contract with a one-year option. He has done very well in the pre-season and all the involved parties are happy with what's going on regarding his contract,' the insider told Soccer Laduma.
A second source told the publication that Mabaso was viewed as a direct replacement for a Venezuelan international.
'They believe he can replace Castillo. The way he plays and the way he handles himself, he is ready for the senior team and can do a great job. That's why the club, together with the technical team, has agreed to offer him a long-term contract,' the second insider told the Siya crew.
Last year, Soccer Laduma reported that North African teams were interested in Castillo however, Kaizer Chiefs put a R40 million price tag on the South American midfielder.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
19 minutes ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs still want Sundowns striker despite complications
Kaizer Chiefs may have already brought in fresh talent this transfer window, but the club continues to chase more attacking options before the 2025/2026 season kicks off. Mamelodi Sundowns striker Etiosa Ighodaro has emerged as a top priority for the Soweto giants. Ighodaro remains Chiefs' main target Despite several additions to their squad, Amakhosi have not shifted focus from their pursuit of Nigerian forward Etiosa Ighodaro. Chiefs see him as a critical piece to sharpen their frontline, but securing his signature won't come easy. According to a source, everything hinges on Sundowns' willingness to let go of the 24-year-old striker. 'At the moment Chiefs are waiting on Sundowns. Ighodaro has one year remaining on his contract with Sundowns and only if they can release him first as a free agent or if they can buy him from the remaining months on his contract. But Chiefs are interested in him and depending on what Sundowns' decision is then Chiefs would still sign him before the start of the season,' the source revealed. The major obstacle for Kaizer Chiefs lies in negotiating with Sundowns. Ighodaro, who signed a five-year deal in 2021, remains contracted to the Chloorkop club until June 2026. While Sundowns have never fielded him in an official match, they have consistently sent him out on loan, with his most recent stint at AmaZulu FC showcasing his goalscoring potential. Even if Sundowns give the green light, Ighodaro's immigration status might stall the deal. Chiefs must navigate potential visa hurdles before they can officially bring the Nigerian forward into their setup. The transfer saga surrounding Ighodaro highlights Amakhosi's determination to build a potent strike force this season. But legal and contractual roadblocks may delay their plans. Will Ighodaro eventually land at Kaizer Chiefs? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
19 minutes ago
- The South African
'He was extremely upset': Jose Riveiro misses chance to reunite with Pirates?
Al Ahly head coach Jose Riveiro is reportedly upset with the club's management's decision not to allow to team to travel to Spain for their pre-season. The 49-year-old Spanish coach joined the Red Devils in May from Orlando Pirates where he won five trophies in three years. During his time with the Buccaneers, Riveiro took his team to Spain twice for pre-season, which was one of the reasons why the Sea Robbers were successful. According to Journalist Medhat Shalaby, the former Bucs coach wanted Al Ahly to have their pre-season in his native country, where he believed conditions would be more favourable for preparation. 'Al Ahly had agreed to hold a training camp in Spain, and the Spaniard Jose Riveiro wanted to hold the camp in his country, especially since the atmosphere in Spain is completely different from that in Tunisia at the moment,' Shalaby said per Elwatan News . 'The Spaniard, Riveiro, after learning that the camp would be held in Tunisia, expressed his great anger and was extremely upset. 'The Al-Ahly management convinced him and told him that the Etoile Sportive du Sahel club would cover the costs,' he added. 'In the end, Etoile Sportive du Sahel apologised, and the two friendly matches for Al-Ahly club will be held against both Stade Tunisien (already played) and Bizertin.' Jose Riveiro could possibly have reunited with Orlando Pirates, given that the Buccaneers' pre-season was recently held in Spain. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs cut ties with man after pre-season in Netherlands
Kaizer Chiefs have officially parted ways with strength and conditioning expert Firas Zghal following the club's recent return from their pre-season tour in the Netherlands. The club brought in Zghal, a France-based professor and renowned sports scientist, on a short-term basis to lead the squad's physical preparations in Europe. He temporarily replaced Majdi Safi, who stayed behind in South Africa due to travel-related challenges. While Safi continued working with the group of players who did not travel, rumours circulated linking him with Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic. Despite the speculation, he remains under contract with Amakhosi. Zghal's presence proved crucial during the European camp. His long-standing professional relationship with head coach Nasreddine Nabi, which began over a decade ago at Al Ahly Tripoli in Libya, played a key role in ensuring a smooth transition during the club's five-match friendly schedule. 'Zghal and Nabi first worked together over a decade ago at Al Ahly Tripoli in Libya.' Zghal brings a wealth of experience, not just from the touchline, but also from the classroom. At 42, the former Stade Gabèsien and CS M'saken striker currently serves as an associate professor at Paris-Saclay University. With over 30 published research papers in exercise and performance science, Zghal has established himself as a leading figure in sports science. Despite his value during pre-season, his contract was always meant to be temporary, and his departure follows the plan set out from the beginning of the tour. Safi is now expected to resume his role with the first team as they return to full training in Johannesburg. The brief collaboration has offered insight into Nabi's trusted circle of professionals. Which could shape future appointments at Naturena. Chiefs now look ahead to their final preparations for the upcoming season, with the full technical team back in place. Will Kaizer Chiefs lose Majdi Safi? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
