Chiefs tie down young guns to new deals

Kaizer Chiefs have announced contract extensions for seven players that will keep them at the club for the next few seasons at least.

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Chiefs have not been able to do any business in the January transfer market but have tied down some of their best young players in Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Sabelo Radebe, Happy Mashiane, Reeve Frosler, Keletso Sifama, Bruce Bvuma and Thabo Mokoena. All, bar Frosler, came through Chiefs’ development system.

“Nkosingiphile 'Mshini' Ngcobo, who joined Chiefs’ senior team in 2017 from the youth ranks, has been tied down until June 2024. The exciting forward had a great debut season and continues to improve, showing he has all the attributes to become a top player,” Chiefs revealed on their website.

“Also staying until 2024 is goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma, a regular member of recent Bafana Bafana squads and currently in his fifth year with the senior team.

“Tembisa-born Happy Mashiane and defender Reeve Frosler will also stay with Chiefs for another three and a half years, until June 2025. [The] 24-year-old Frosler, who hails from Qqeberha, arrived at Naturena in January 2018 from Wits.

“In addition, Sabelo “Bibo” Radebe, one of Amakhosi’s brightest young prodigies both on and off the pitch – he recently obtained a diploma – has been secured on a long-term deal until June 2026.

“Furthermore, the duo of Keletso Sifama and Thabo Mokoena, who were promoted to the senior team last season, have returned from a loan spell with Pretoria Callies to have their contracts extended a further two-and-a-half years.”

Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr says the contract renewals are aimed at building for the future and lowering the average age of the squad.

“We are happy that we were able to secure these seven players’ services for an extended period,” Motaung Jr said.

“We have to ensure that our future is secured and these are the players that will form an integral part in building a formidable team in years to come. This is in line with our strategy and primary focus of reducing the average age of the squad and building a young dynamic team for the future.

“There are senior players’ contracts that need to be reviewed and we are in the process of evaluating and finalising those deals. We will make further announcements in due course.”