Kaizer Chiefs have officially confirmed their first player departure just days after wrapping up a disappointing Betway Premiership campaign, signaling the beginning of what is expected to be a busy off-season for the club.
The Soweto giants, who finished the 2024/25 season outside the top eight, have decided to part ways with midfielder Siyethemba Sithebe, whose contract is set to expire at the end of June. The 31-year-old joined Amakhosi in 2022 from AmaZulu and was initially seen as a key part of the club’s midfield rebuild. However, after a promising start, Sithebe struggled for consistent game time under successive coaches and eventually fell down the pecking order.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, Kaizer Chiefs thanked Sithebe for his contribution to the club and wished him well in his future endeavors.
“Kaizer Chiefs can confirm the departure of Siyethemba Sithebe following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season. The club extends its gratitude to Siyethemba for his professionalism and dedication during his time at Naturena. We wish him all the best in his future football journey.”
Sithebe made over 40 appearances for Chiefs across all competitions during his two-year stay but found opportunities limited in the latter stages of the campaign. With the club now aiming to rejuvenate the squad ahead of the 2025/26 season, more exits are expected in the coming weeks.
Sources close to the club indicate that a number of senior players are being assessed as the management, led by sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr., prepares for a massive squad overhaul. The club is also actively searching for a new head coach after parting ways with interim coach Cavin Johnson.
Sithebe is reportedly attracting interest from several DStv Premiership clubs, with AmaZulu and Stellenbosch FC said to be monitoring his situation closely.
Kaizer Chiefs supporters will be eager to see significant changes during the off-season as the club looks to rebuild and challenge for silverware again after nearly a decade without a major trophy.
Further announcements regarding player movements and technical team appointments are expected in the coming weeks as the Glamour Boys enter a new chapter.
