In just less than 24 hours after Chippa United announced their mass squad overhaul, Motsepe Foundation Champions side Baroka FC followed suit and released six players on Friday.
Tshidiso Patjie, Putco Khoza, Lehlohonolo Nonyane, Baolefa Pule, Phelelani Shozi, and Sandile Nyundi will no longer be at the club when Bakgakga returns to the Championship next season.
They follow coach Daniel Malesela, who is currently placed on special leave and unlikely to return. This after being accused of spying for other Premier Soccer League (PSL) by the club hierarchy.
“Baroka Football Club can confirm that it will not be renewing the contracts of Tshidiso Patjie, Putco Khoza and Lehlohonolo Nonyane. Also Baolefa Pule, Phelelani Shozi, and Sandile Nyundi, at the end of the season 2023/24,” Baroka said in a statement.
Finishing bottom of the PSL relegation/promotion playoffs
“The club would like to thank the above-mentioned players for their contribution to this amazing institution. [We] wish them the best in their future endeavours.”
This is also at the back of missing out on being promoted to the DStv Premiership next season. After finishing bottom of the PSL relegation/promotion playoffs.
On the last game of the playoffs, the Limpopo-based outfit was walloped 4-0 by Richards Bay. The latter have since retained their topflight football status ahead of Baroka and University of Pretoria.
Meanwhile, Premiership side Chippa made one of the biggest squad overhauls. This when they announced on Thursday that the club has released a total of 16 players.
These include former Orlando Pirates winger Luvuyo Memela and Namibian international goalkeeper Loydt Kazapua. Also former Royal AM midfielder Siphelele Luthuli and former SuperSport United full-back Siyabonga Nhlapo. And former Kaizer Chiefs winger Kamohelo Mahlatsi.
The Chilli Boys also confirmed that midfielder Goodman Mosele will return to his parent club Pirates. This while left-sided 25-year-old Gadinkame Modise will also go back to Mamelodi Sundowns.
So much in disbelief but its football at the end… Can a player like andile mbenyane atleast be honored he’s been with the team for a longest time ever.