Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siyethemba Sithebe has opened up about his unexpected departure from the club, expressing his surprise and disappointment at being released. The 31-year-old joined the Glamour Boys from AmaZulu in 2022, but his time at Chiefs was plagued by injuries, limiting him to just 39 appearances across all competitions.
Sithebe was one of several out-of-contract players released by Amakhosi last week as the club undergoes a major squad overhaul ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. This decision comes after Chiefs endured their worst-ever season, finishing outside the top eight in the Premier Soccer League, prompting the need for significant changes to restore the team’s former glory.
Reflecting on his departure, Sithebe told iDiski Times about his conversations with the club’s management before leaving for the off-season: “What I can say is that I was playing back from injury. And when I spoke with the Director before I went home, he said we’d talk, and then I came back to negotiate. So, it was between two things: negotiating for another season or a new contract. I think they made a decision not to renew, obviously. But as a player, you might be shocked, like I wasn’t expecting this, but it’s football.”
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Sithebe’s exit marks a poignant moment in his career, having hoped for a renewed opportunity to prove his worth to the club. His stint at Kaizer Chiefs, although challenging due to injuries, was seen as a chance to make a significant impact. However, with the club’s focus on revitalizing the squad, his contributions were deemed insufficient for a contract extension.
The midfielder’s experience underscores the often unpredictable nature of football, where decisions can swiftly alter a player’s career trajectory. Sithebe’s departure highlights the harsh realities faced by professional athletes and the need for resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of sports.
