Chippa United have announced a major clean out with 18 players leaving the club ahead of the new season, including key midfielder Goodman Mosele and their longest serving player Andile Mbenyane.
The Gqeberha-based club said 16 players, who had come to the end of their respective contracts would not be offered deals to stay, including Mbenyane, captain Roscoe Pietersen, the Namibia international goalkeeper Loyt Kazapua and veterans Luvuyo Memela and Siyabonga Nhlapo.
The others are Diego Apollis, Yurig Conwood, Andile Fakude, Darren Johnson, Siphelele Luthuli, Kamohelo Mahlatsi, Siseko Manona, Khanyisile Mayo, Menzi Ndwandwe, Siyabonga Nhlapo, Senzo Nkwanyana and Azola Ntsabo.
Gadinkame Modise and Mosele, who were on loan, are returning to their respective clubs. Left back Modise goes back to champions Mamelodi Sundowns while Mosele is headed back to Orlando Pirates.
Kazapua starred for Namibia at the Africa Cup of Nations finals but his departure, together with the other back-up goalkeeper Johnson, suggests the club’s No 1 Stanley Nwabali will be staying despite reports linking him with a move away.
It could be the end for 36-year-old Memela and the pair of 35-year-old – Nhlapo, who previously played at Bidvest Wits and SuperSport united, and Pietersen, who helped Chippa to promotion in 2012.
Mbenyane, 36, spent 11 seasons at Chippa, having joined them from Ajax Cape Town.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the above players for their dedication and contributions to the club,” said chairman Siviwe ‘Chippa’ Mpengesi in statement.
“You have all brought pride to the Eastern Cape, and we wish you the very best in your future endeavours.
“This announcement comes with the promise of exciting new signings that will be unveiled in due course.
“Fans can also look forward to seeing new faces from the Eastern Cape as we continue to build a strong and competitive team for the coming season.”