Seven players from Kaizer Chiefs squad will see their contracts expire with the club in June next year. This does not include Lincoln Zvasiya who is out on loan to OFI Crete in Greece. His contract also expires at the same time although it seems unlikely he will be retained by the club after that point. The players in question are Tsepo Masilela, Josta Dladla, Willard Katsande, Siyabonga Nkosi, Keegan Ritchie, Lehlohonolo Majoro and Knowledge Musona. The players are liable to sign pre-contract agreements with other clubs from January, which means Chiefs may need to act sooner rather than later in terms of offering them new deals. Musona is currently on loan for the season and its expected he will return to his German club, 1899 Hoffenheim, at the end of the season unless a new deal can be agreed. However, the futures of Masilela, Dladla, Katsande, Nkosi, Ritchie and Majoro appear less clear. Masilela has been a very reliable performer at left back. What could count against him winning a new deal is that he suffers with a chronic knee condition which at times rules him out for periods of time with injury. In addition, Dladla is now 34 and his advancing age could count against him when it comes to winning a new deal. In his favour, Stuart Baxter rates him highly and has in the past referred him as Chiefs Ryan Giggs. Katsandes immediate future also seems to lie in the balance although it would be very unlikely the club wont extend his current deal. The Zimbabwean enforcer has become a very crucial component in the holding role for the Glamour Boys, and seems to have a bright future ahead. 31-year-old Nkosi has caught the eye at times for the Glamour Boys however age doesnt appear to be on his side either. Nonetheless, the undoubted quality the player offers could see Chiefs extend his stay beyond June. Ritchies future at the club beyond June next year is also in question. The 23-year-old has given some promising displays at left back in recent games, however he has largely been a bit-part performer during his three seasons at the club. Its open to debate whether he will have his stay at Naturena extended. Interestingly, it could be Majoros contract expiry that gets people talking the most. The striker had a prolific season in the last campaign but seems to be misfiring this season. Nonetheless, the 27-year-old is at his physical peak and an extended run in the first 11could see him bang in some more goals. If Musona was to return to Germany at the end of the campaign, retaining Majoro would appear to make perfect sense as well. With the club yet to spell out who they are planning to retain, it could make for some interesting talking points for Chiefs supporters in the months to come. Watch this space!
Posted on: Mon, 02 Dec 2013 14:40:29 +0000