Kaizer Chiefs end speculation by confirming TWO departures from Naturena

Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed the exit of two more players as new coach Stuart Baxter finalises his team ahead of the 2021/22 season.

READ | PISTO MOSIMANE’S AL AHLY DROP CRUCIAL POINTS IN TIGHT EGYPT TITLE RACE

The duo confirmed to be leaving Naturena are Given Thibedi and Yagan Sasman who are heading for Amakhosi’s Soweto rivals, Swallows.

In a brief statement on the official Kaizer Chiefs website, the Glamour Boys announced that both Thibedi, who spent the last two years on loan with the Dube Birds, and Sasman, were departing.

Thibedi, 23, rejoined Kaizer Chiefs at the end of last season with the view to fighting for a position in Amakhosi’s midfield.

READ | DRAMATIC LATE TWIST IN PERCY TAU SAGA: MOVE TO AL AHLY LOOKS TO BE OFF!

However, after pre-season training and reviewing the squad ahead of the 2021/22 season, it was mutually decided in the best interests of the club and the career prospects of Thibedi that he be released back to Swallows on a permanent deal.

“Thibedi is a good player and we are proud to say he is a product of our Youth Development Academy,” said Bobby Motaung, Kaizer Chiefs football manager.

“We sat with the technical team and assessed the squad we have assembled this season, which include nine new recruits. After evaluation, we reached the decision to put him on the market and Swallows showed interest, as he has done well for them in the past.”

After being transfer-listed at the end of the season, Cape Town-born defender Sasman has also joined the Swallows.

Sasman, 25, joined Kaizer Chiefs in July 2019 under then-coach Ernst Middendorp.

“Sasman is still young and has contributed to Kaizer Chiefs in the time he’s been here. We believe he will do well for himself,” concluded Motaung.

READ | KAIZER CHIEFS TO MAKE DRAMATIC U-TURN ON FUTURE OF STAR LEFT BACK?

Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs will next be in action when they take on Mamelodi Sundowns in their MTN8 quarter-final at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday, August 15 in a repeat of a match the sides played back in 2012 – which incredibly was Baxter’s first match in charge of Kaizer Chiefs in his first stint with the club.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00.

Following Sunday’s match, Kaizer Chiefs will open 2021/22 DStv Premiership clash against TS Galaxy away from home on Sunday, 22 August at 17:00.

READ | SIPHO MBULE IS TRENDING AGAIN! 5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW