Komphela 'was key in Chiefs overhaul'

Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela and his technical team played a role in the process that led to 20 players being shown the door in an apparent overhaul of the squad.

"The memo I got was that the decision was made by the collective at Chiefs, inclusive of the technical team," Chiefs spokesman Vina Maphosa confirmed yesterday in the wake of the need to rebuild the squad following a trophy-less season.

He also confirmed that right back Siboniso Gaxa was among the players who would be leaving.

There has been confusion over Gaxa's name being on the list of four players whose contracts have not been renewed.

In October Chiefs tweeted that Gaxa had renewed his contract until 2018.

"I can confirm that [Gaxa] is leaving," Maphosa said.

Chiefs' injury-prone veteran centre-back Morgan Gould and central midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane, believed to be on his way to Supersport United, have also not had their contracts renewed.

Goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse is also on his way out .

Players put on the transfer list are centre back Siyanda Xulu, strikers Bongani Ndulula, Edward Manqele and Siphelele Mthembu, and the Ugandans Ivan Bukenya and Sula Matovu.

Ndulula, Manqele and Mthembu scored one league goal (by Manqele) between them in 26 games last season.

Keegan Ritchie was released as part of a swap deal involving Supersport's Sibusiso Khumalo .

"It's a process we embark on every year ... The only difference is [the] huge number [of players being released]," said Maphosa.