As the 2022-23 DStv Premiership season draws to a close a number of household names in South African football have little knowledge of where they’ll be for the next campaign as their contracts have not yet been renewed by their employers.
One of these stars is veteran Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune. The former Bafana Bafana and Amakhosi skipper joined the Glamour Boys’ youth team as a 14-year-old in 1999 and signed his first professional contract there in 2004. As a professional, Khune has been a one-team man for a year shy of 20 years.
Joining Khune in the list of players anxiously awaiting final calls on a contract renewal is another former Bafana star, Andile Jali, at Mamelodi Sundowns. The 33-year-old Jali joined Sundowns from Belgian club KV Oostende in 2018 and looked to have secured his future with the Brazilians when he was chosen as the best midfielder in the PSL at the end of last season.
Lack of game time and issues of indiscipline off-the-field have not helped Jali’s prospects of a new contract at Sundowns and his agent, Mike Makaab, has not ruled out a move locally if there are no offers from abroad.
The cases of those two stars are relatively well known. TimesLIVE Premium examines their and some other big-name players from especially Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Sundowns’ future prospects:
Itumeleng Khune, Kaizer Chiefs, 35 years old
Khune has played less than 10 league matches for Chiefs in 2022-23, but his constant appearance on the team list as a substitute in case Brandon Petersen loses form or gets injured may help him earn at least one more year, if he’s not already earmarked for a new role at the club. Khune remains a darling of the Amakhosi faithful and many would like to see him end his outstanding playing career at Naturena, then graduate to the support staff.
Khama Billiat, Kaizer Chiefs, 33
The Zimbabwean attacker joined Amakhosi with much fanfare in a big-money move from Sundowns in 2018, but five years down the line there’s little Chiefs can enthuse about as far as his performances, or silverware he has contributed to.
Billiat’s arrival coincided with the club’s longest spell (eight years) without a trophy. That he has not appeared as many times for Chiefs this season due to injuries, means there’s little chance Chiefs will renew his contract. If they do, it may be for a far lower pay cheque than in 2018 and the length no more than a year or two.
Eric Mathoho, Kaizer Chiefs, 33
Chiefs have already signed two central defenders, SuperSport United’s Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and Given Msimango of TS Galaxy, an indication that the services of another former Bafana star, Mathoho, will not be required at Naturena next season. Mathoho has spent just over a decade at Chiefs and may fancy his chances at a smaller PSL club. His departure from Chiefs seems to be already sealed as he ends the current campaign nursing an injury, having played just one minute.
Sifiso Hlanti, Kaizer Chiefs, 32
Hlanti is the only one of Chiefs’ players whose contracts expire in June with a good chance of staying at Naturena. The former Bafana left-back has been a regular in coach Arthur Zwane’s line-up, though at times he’s been caught for pace, especially if he has to rove up and down the wing. Chiefs could still do with Hlanti’s experience to groom a younger left-back. Age is not on his side.
Phathutshedzo Nange, Kaizer Chiefs, 31
When he arrived from Stellenbosch FC in 2021, Nange was seen as a player fit to control and stabilise Amakhosi’s midfield in the mould of Tinashe Nengomasha. He’s been a disappointment, perhaps overwhelmed by the task of playing for a big-name club. That he’s only featured only once in the league for Chiefs this season, clearly indicates how low Zwane rates Nange. He looks to be on his way out.
Richard Ofori, Orlando Pirates, 29
Ofori cannot wait for his contract to expire at Pirates having seen little action in a season marked by injuries, where he missed out on representing Ghana at the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar. At 29, Ofori will have many offers locally and overseas. That Pirates are not using him, even though he’s recovered shows they’re planning for a life without the well-built shot stopper next season.
Terrence Dzvukamanja, Orlando Pirates, 28
The Zimbabwean deserves a new contract at Pirates where he’s been misunderstood by most Bucs coaches since his arrival in 2020. He works hard and showed his class in Jose Riviero’s team this season, where he’s played regularly in the second part of the season. A team player, at 28 he is peaking. Pirates being Pirates, they may not renew his contract for reasons that have nothing to do with what he can offer on the field.
Thabang Monare, Orlando Pirates, 33
Strangely, Monare started the current campaign with his future at Pirates in serious doubt as his contract had not been renewed. It was through the help of Riveiro, soon after the Spaniard’s arrival, that Monare came back to train with team and was offered a one-year extension. Monare has been a constant feature in the Riveiro’s line-up whenever he was fit. The question remains, though, whether the former Bidvest Wits player has done enough to convince Bucs’ officials to give him more time at the club. Monare’s partnership with Miguel Timm in Bucs’ midfield has helped in their push to finish second in the Premiership.
Andile Jali, Mamelodi Sundowns, 33
Jali’s time at Sundowns seems to be over given he’s played so few games this season — 12 in the league, eight of which were starting. Jali’s place has been taken by the younger Teboho Mokoena, who often played with the armband. His off-field shenanigans, which include allegedly arriving drunk at training, have not helped his cause, though speculation was he did that on purpose to force an exit. Jali may still be of use at less glamorous clubs.
Brian Onyango, Mamelodi Sundowns, 28
The Kenyan centreback has served Sundowns with diligence since joining from Maritzburg United in 2020. That Sundowns are not short of backup in their defence, and with huge Moroccan Abdelmounaim Boutouil apparently past his injuries, could mean Onyango’s time may be unfortunately over at Clhoorkop. Some big-name SA clubs could do with Onyango’s services, which have been enhanced by the experience he’s gained at in the Caf Champions League over the past three seasons.
Bradley Ralani, Mamelodi Sundowns, 35
It came as a shock when Sundowns signed Ralani from Cape Town City when he was 33. Though he’s not looked out of place, his age could be a big factor in him not earning a new contract. Smaller PSL clubs could do with Ralani’s experience. His professionalism should easily see him receive plenty of overtures in July.
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