While most players celebrate their birthdays with a new contract or bonus, George Matlou marked his special day overseas—without even having a formal deal in hand.
Kaizer Chiefs took the 27-year-old midfielder along for their pre-season tour to the Netherlands, even though he hasn’t officially signed a new contract with the club.
It’s a bold and slightly risky move for Matlou, considering he’s technically a free agent at the moment.
But it’s also a sign of trust—or perhaps just hope—that Kaizer Chiefs will eventually follow through.
A Verbal Agreement That’s Still Hanging in the Air
According to insiders close to the club, there was a verbal agreement to keep Matlou for at least one more season under new head coach Nasreddine Nabi.
The club reportedly made that promise to Matlou weeks ago, intending to make him part of Nabi’s new-look squad.
“Amakhosi agreed in principle to retain Matlou for at least another year,” the source confirmed.
But oddly enough, that agreement hasn’t yet been formalised with an actual contract.
Matlou Joins the Squad Without Paperwork
Despite what any player’s legal team would advise, Matlou flew out with the Chiefs to Europe—no paperwork, no official extension, just trust.
Most players in his position would have hesitated, maybe even started looking for new clubs.
But Matlou seems committed, at least emotionally, to staying with the Glamour Boys.
That said, his loyalty could easily backfire if the club decides to change direction or delay further.
From Injury Woes to Coach Nabi’s Backing
Matlou’s journey at Naturena has been anything but smooth.
After joining from Moroka Swallows three years ago, he was tipped to become a game-changing creative midfielder.
Unfortunately, a string of injuries undercut his progress, especially during Arthur Zwane’s time in charge.
Things only started looking up when Coach Nabi personally expressed his desire to keep Matlou.
That endorsement led to the club activating a one-year option to extend his stay.
But now, that extension has run its course—and still, no new deal is on the table.
Technically Unemployed, But Still Training
Right now, George Matlou is in a bit of a limbo.
He’s not under contract, yet he’s still training with the first team.
It’s a situation that’s unusual, especially at a club of Chiefs’ stature.
While both sides seem to want the relationship to continue, the absence of a signed agreement creates unnecessary uncertainty.
If anything goes wrong—an injury, a shift in club priorities—Matlou could find himself without protection or pay.
What Comes Next for Matlou and Kaizer Chiefs?
So, where does this leave things? Will Kaizer Chiefs eventually put pen to paper and honour the deal they verbally agreed on? Or will another club come calling with a concrete offer and lure Matlou away?
Only time will tell. But for now, Matlou remains in a strange space—loyal to a club that hasn’t officially tied him down.
