Kaizer Chiefs star reportedly set for exit as Nabi eye new midfield
Kaizer Chiefs are wasting no time preparing for the upcoming season, with head coach Nasreddine Nabi pushing forward an aggressive squad refresh, and midfield lies at the heart of his plans.
Nabi has already earmarked new talent to strengthen the engine room, with Tanzanian international Feisal Salum and Sipho Mbule possibly topping his wishlist. These moves signal a strategic shift for the Amakhosi, particularly in central midfield, where competition is set to intensify.
Samkelo Zwane, who managed just 13 appearances across all competitions last season, now finds himself in a precarious position. As new midfield talent edges closer to Naturena, Zwane risks being pushed further down the pecking order.
Zwane's representatives are preparing to meet with Chiefs management to clarify the club's stance. They want to know whether the 23-year-old still fits into Nabi's long-term vision — or if a loan spell might offer him a better path forward.
With uncertainty clouding Zwane's future, rival clubs are circling. According to reports, AmaZulu are among the teams keeping a close eye on developments.
'I don't know about any AmaZulu interest but the boy needs game time. The way I see it right now is that he is going nowhere, as things stand,' a source close to the player told this publication.
Despite the rumours, Zwane remains determined to fight for his place at Chiefs. But his camp understands the risks of another season with limited opportunities, especially during a critical phase of his development.
Should Zwane stay at Kaizer Chiefs or find a new home?
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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
Mamelodi Sundowns ready to reward star striker with new deal
Mamelodi Sundowns have entered negotiations with striker Peter Shalulile over a contract extension, aiming to retain the prolific forward in Tshwane for at least another season. The club looks set to follow a model previously used to extend the careers of veterans Themba Zwane and Denis Onyango. At 31, Shalulile remains one of the Brazilians' most influential players, even though his appearances under new head coach Miguel Cardoso have become more limited. The Namibian international still managed to bag 11 goals and provide two assists in 47 matches across all competitions during the 2024/2025 season, with many of those appearances coming off the bench. Sources close to the club have confirmed that contract discussions are underway. If all goes to plan, the striker could sign a short-term deal, much like the one Zwane penned earlier this year, which secures his future at Chloorkop until 2026. One goal away from club history Shalulile now stands on the brink of greatness. He is just one goal shy of becoming Mamelodi Sundowns' all-time top scorer, a feat that would cement his legacy at the club. This milestone strengthens his case for an extension and further highlights his continued value to the team. 'The club has shown a trend of rewarding loyalty and consistency, even with aging stars.' Denis Onyango, now 40, recently signed a one-year extension, signalling Sundowns' intent to keep experienced players who still contribute both on and off the pitch. Shalulile appears poised to follow in that tradition. Both Shalulile and the club are reportedly optimistic about reaching an agreement before pre-season begins. A new deal would not only honour his past contributions but also offer him the platform to make history in Sundowns colours. Should Shalulile extend with Mamelodi Sundowns? 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
4 hours ago
- The South African
Springboks: List of Backs likely to be sent home
Rassie Eramsas will be trimming his 55-man Springboks training squad. These backs will likely be cut. Springboks head coach, Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that he will be sending players back to their clubs following the commencement of the URC final between the Bulls and Leinster on Saturday, 14 June 2025. Therefore, a few players in the current training squad will be going home. Let's take a look at the backline stars likely to return to their clubs. Quan Horn Ntokozo Makhaza Morne van den Berg Horn is no doubt a quality player. Hence, the Lions fullback's call-up to the Springboks preliminary training squad. However, there is simply too much depth at 15 to see Horn getting any real opportunities in bigger test matches for the Springboks in 2025. Aphelele Fassi flourished in at fullback for the Boks last year. Meanwhile, Bok veteran, Willie le Roux is back to his best at the Bulls. Finally, Damien Willemse is fit and raring to go. Meanwhile, Makhaza is no doubt one of the biggest surprise call-ups in Springboks history. Having not played a single minute for any of the SA Rugby club franchises, he was called up to the Bok squad. However, he is unlikely to be thrown into the deep end before being tested at club level with his soon-to-be new club, the Cheetahs. Although, with Rassie, anything is possible. Finally, Lions scrumhalf, van den Berg is in the mix but he will not be replacing the likes of Faf de Klerk, Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach or Grant Williams (who is on his way back from injury). Meanwhile, these SEVEN Springboks forwards are likely to be sent home. 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
4 hours ago
- The South African
Springboks: SEVEN forwards likely to be cut
The Springboks training squad will be cut down following the commencement of the URC final. Rassie Erasmus is currently training a group of 55 Springboks. However, this is just the preliminary training squad. Meaning, a lot of these players will be cut from the group and sent back to their clubs. In fact, as mentioned, Rassie will announce a smaller squad straight after the United Rugby Championship final between Leinster and the Bulls. Let's take a look at the players likely to be cut. Asenathi Ntlabakanye Neethling Fouche Ntutuko Mchuno Marnus Van Der Merwe Cobus Wiese Jean Kleyn/Salmaan Moerat Renzo Du Plessis First things first, credit must be given to every one of the 55 players who earned a call-up to the recent Springboks training camp. All of these players will have gained priceless experience having trained with Bok veterans. Furthermore, the fact that they were called up means they did enough to be in the picture. As well as making a mark in Rassie and the Bok selectors minds. 'We will wait to see if there are any injuries from the URC final and then announce the group of players on Sunday that will get together next week,' Rassie told the SA Rugby media. With that being said, the aforementioned players are likely to be sent home when Rassie announces his shortened training squad after the URC final. Up front, Ntlanakanye, Fouche and Mchuno have been huge for the Lions, Stormers and Sharks respectively. They worked hard to earn their call-ups. However, they are all unlikely to uproot the likes of Ox Nche, Wilco Louw, Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch or Gerhard Steenakamp (who is on his way back from injury). Even with Frans Malherbe out injured. There is more than enough depth at prop. Van Der Merwe had a massive season for Scarlets in the URC but he will not be replacing Springbok locks Malcolm Marx or Bongi Mbonambi any time soon. Whilst, Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been massive for the Bulls and his versatility (he plays prop too) makes him a huge asset for the Boks. Either Kleyn or Moerat could be cut due to the sheer magnitude of world class locks in the current Springboks squad. RG Snyman has been one of the best players in the 2014/24 URC season. Likewise, Bulls skipper Ruan Nortje has been huge en route to leading the Bulls to yet another URC final. Meanwhile, Lood de Jager is back in the mix. He is joined by another Bok veteran, Franco Mostert. Both players are keen to stamp their authority after missing most of last season. Lood has been out since before the 2023 Rugby World Cup and Mostert only played in the final Bok test of 2024 against Wales last year. Finally, Boks are awaiting an update on the all-time most capped Springboks player, Eben Etzebeth. 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.
