The Naturena corridors are buzzing with talk of a major clear-out that could see as many as 10 first-team players leave Kaizer Chiefs before the new season begins. It signals the club's intent to shake off the inconsistency that defined their 2025-26 campaign. Management is currently reviewing the squad to determine who fits the future vision and who has simply reached the end of the line.

"You know most of the ones I have told you have their contracts coming to an end, while others have not really impressed in the past season, and that's what will determine who stays and who leaves."

Players reportedly on the chopping block include Ashley du Preez, Khanyisa Mayo, George Matlou, Fiacre Ntwari, and Gaston Sirino. The list also features Etiosa Ighodaro, Happy Mashiane, Samkelo Zwane, Paseka Mako, and Tashreeq Morris. These names represent a significant chunk of the senior setup, and their departures would effectively wipe the slate clean for the incoming technical team.

The Changing of the Guard

The expected exit of co-coaches Youssef and Kaze lies at the heart of this transition. Their tenure, marked by a struggle to find a winning rhythm, left the club hungry for a fresh tactical direction. The administration hopes to give the next set of coaches a blank canvas to work with by clearing out the squad first. It's a bold gamble, but at a club of this size, patience for mediocrity is almost non-existent.

While the club focuses on domestic housecleaning, there's some action on the national stage. Hugo Broos, the Bafana Bafana head coach, has confirmed his 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in the Americas. Bradley Cross stands out as the only representative from the Chiefs camp to make the cut. The defender's inclusion is a small consolation for a team that has found it difficult to get players into the national jersey recently.

The squad features young defenders like Olwethu Makhanya and Mbekezeli Mboketsi Mbokazi, who are currently plying their trade in the USA's Major League Soccer. These call-ups show Broos is casting his net wide to ensure Bafana has the legs to compete on the world stage. The selection suggests that Broos is not limited by geographical boundaries in his search for talent.

Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly has been spotted wearing the Bafana jersey on social media, perhaps signaling an unexpected support base in North London. Lewis-Skelly's attention is mostly fixed on the Champions League final, where Arsenal is set to face the heavy hitters of Paris Saint-Germain. That massive European clash is scheduled for Saturday, 30 May, at 18:00 SA time. Bafana will wrap up their own preparations with a final friendly match against Nicaragua this Friday. As the national team gears up for their overseas tour, the focus for the local football fraternity remains fixed on which of the Chiefs' stars will be searching for new clubs by Monday morning.