In recent years, it seems like a trend has emerged: players released by the iconic Soweto teams, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, are having a tough time securing new contracts.
Unlike the past, when these players would quickly find new homes, the landscape has shifted.
With both clubs struggling to reclaim their glory and failing to dominate South African football for nearly a decade, potential suitors are becoming hesitant to sign players who didn’t shine with these prestigious teams.
The Drought of Opportunities
Let’s take a closer look at four players who were released from Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates last season.
Interestingly, all of them have represented Bafana Bafana at some point in their careers, which adds another layer of intrigue to their current situations.
Keagan Dolly
Keagan Dolly, once a shining star for Bafana Bafana, recently ended his three-year stint with Amakhosi.
After leaving France in 2021, his arrival at Chiefs was anticipated to be a pivotal moment for the club.
Unfortunately, injuries played a significant role in derailing his progress, and he found himself released in June, joining fellow players like Sifiso Hlanti on the free-agent market.
Kermit Erasmus
Kermit Erasmus first made waves during his time at SuperSport United and later at Orlando Pirates.
However, after a disappointing spell at Mamelodi Sundowns, the 34-year-old striker returned to the Buccaneers in 2022.
Despite the high hopes, his second chapter at Pirates didn’t match the impact of his first, leading to his eventual release.
Clubless and Seeking New Beginnings
Lesedi Kapinga
Lesedi Kapinga, known for his dazzling skills during his time with Black Leopards, unfortunately wasted some prime years at Mamelodi Sundowns.
He joined Pirates but only managed to make eight appearances last season before being released.
At one point, both Chiefs and Pirates had their eyes on him, but his move to the Buccaneers didn’t yield the expected results.
Sifiso Hlanti
At 34, Sifiso Hlanti faces a challenging path ahead as he searches for a new club.
He had a solid season with Amakhosi, featuring in 21 league games during the 2023/24 campaign.
Despite this, his age could be a limiting factor in attracting interest from other teams.
The Uncertainty of Free Agents
Other former stars from Chiefs and Pirates, including Luvuyo Memela, Samir Nurkovic, and Eric Matoho, are also still searching for opportunities.
As these players navigate this uncertain phase of their careers, the question looms: what’s next for them?
The landscape of South African football may be evolving, but the futures of these once-prominent players remain unclear.