Mathoho’s Future In Doubt As Chiefs Look To Rebuild

Kaizer Chiefs may have to say farewell to their veteran defender Erick Mathoho, as the 33-year-old is unlikely to be offered a new contract. Mathoho has been with the club for 11 seasons, joining in the 2012/13 campaign under coach Stuart Baxter, who had just taken charge of the team. The defender played an instrumental role in Chiefs’ successful season that year, featuring in 34 matches across all competitions as the club won the double – the league title and the Nedbank Cup.

Mathoho formed a solid partnership with fellow defender Tefu Mashamaite in the 2014/15 season, which proved to be a highly successful one for the club. The duo were colossal at the back as Chiefs won another league title and the MTN8 trophy to complete another double. However, Mashamaite and Baxter both left the club at the end of that season, and Mathoho was never the same player again with Chiefs.

This season, Mathoho has struggled with injuries, which has limited his playing time on the pitch. He has only featured in one game so far, in which he entered the field in the 95th minute as a substitute in a 2-1 win over SuperSport United in September. Unfortunately for Mathoho, the referee blew the final whistle before he could even touch the ball.

As a result of Mathoho’s injury woes and lack of game time, sources have indicated that Chiefs are unlikely to offer him a new contract, which means that the defender may have to look for a new club at the end of the season. Mathoho has been an important player for Chiefs over the years, but his time at the club appears to be coming to an end.

Mathoho’s departure would mark the end of an era for Chiefs, as he is one of the few players remaining at the club who won two league titles in Baxter’s first stint as coach. Along with Itumeleng Khune, Mathoho is one of the sole survivors from that successful period in the club’s history.

During his time at Chiefs, Mathoho has played in a total of 262 matches and scored 28 goals in all competitions. He has been a reliable presence in the team’s defense, and his departure would leave a big void to be filled.

Chiefs fans will no doubt be disappointed to see Mathoho leave the club, but they will also be grateful for his contributions over the years. The defender has been a loyal servant to the club, and his commitment and dedication to the team will not be forgotten.

As Chiefs look to rebuild their squad and challenge for titles once again, they will need to find a suitable replacement for Mathoho. The defender’s departure will be a big loss for the club, but it also presents an opportunity for a new player to step up and make a name for themselves.

In conclusion, Mathoho’s impending departure from Kaizer Chiefs will mark the end of an era for the club. The defender has been an important player for Chiefs over the years, but his injury woes and lack of game time this season mean that he is unlikely to be offered a new contract. As the club looks to rebuild and challenge for titles once again, they will need to find a suitable replacement for Mathoho in the heart of their defense.