The PSL’s once-feared Kaizer Chiefs on Tuesday listed six frontline squad members for transfer in a bid to halt a losing streak that got under way last season and has continued in four pre-season tournament matches.
Players placed on the transfer list include erstwhile club heroes Emmanuel ”Scara” Ngobese, Patrick Mayo, Gert Schalkwyk, David Radebe, Siphiwe Mkhonza and Serge Djiehoua — who, at different times, have all proved match winners for the Amakhosi.
”The decisions,” said team manager Bobby Motaung, ”were taken by the technical staff under coach Muhsin Ertugral after intense discussions and carefully assessing the team’s requirements.”
”We are now in a position where we expect the remaining players to restore the pride of Amakhosi,” said Motaung, ”after two seasons in which the performances of the team have hardly been convincing”.
Whether the transfer-listing will result in a turnaround of the club’s fortunes remains to be seen, with a view that the players concerned have been made scapegoats for a more deep-rooted malaise.
On the other hand, it seems that some kind of shock treatment was needed to bring the ailing Amakhosi back to life.
”We thank the players for their services to the club in the past, but now feel they may be better able to express their talents elsewhere,” said Motaung.
And, it would seem, the mesmerising, but often enigmatic Ngobese, crafty midfielder Schalkwyk, striker Radebe and resolute defender Mkhonza should not find it unduly difficult in securing places at other clubs. – Sapa