Kaizer Chiefs could come up against several familiar faces during the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign after five players released by the club secured moves to rival South African teams.
The Soweto giants parted ways with seven members of their senior and development squads during the off-season, but the majority have remained in the local league, setting up the prospect of facing their former employers in competitive action.
Seven Departures Mark Busy Off-Season
Chiefs confirmed the exits of Aden McCarthy, George Matlou, Happy Mashiane, Fiacre Ntwari, Tashreeq Morris, Gastón Sirino and Siyabonga Gumede as part of their squad reshuffle ahead of the new season.
While McCarthy has taken his career abroad by joining Azerbaijani champions Sabah FC, Mashiane is yet to announce a new club.
The remaining five players, however, have all found opportunities within South Africa’s top-flight football.
Khalil Ben Youssef Reunites With Former Chiefs Duo
Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Khalil Ben Youssef has wasted little time reconnecting with familiar players after taking charge of Durban City.
The KwaZulu-Natal-based club first completed the signing of striker Tashreeq Morris before strengthening further with the arrival of experienced midfielder Gastón Sirino.
The double reunion means Ben Youssef will rely on two players he previously coached at Naturena as Durban City prepares for the upcoming campaign.
Richards Bay Hand Opportunity to Young Defender
Siyabonga Gumede has also secured a move within the Betway Premiership after reportedly joining Richards Bay.
The defender captained Kaizer Chiefs’ DStv Diski Challenge side last season and is now expected to make the step into senior top-flight football.
His departure continues a recent trend of highly rated academy graduates leaving the club in search of first-team opportunities elsewhere.
Gumede follows other former Chiefs development products who have moved on despite progressing through the club’s youth system.
Matlou and Ntwari Also Stay in the Premiership
George Matlou has found a new home at Stellenbosch FC, while goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari will represent Kruger United in the upcoming season.
Their transfers mean Kaizer Chiefs could encounter all five former players at different stages of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership schedule, adding extra intrigue whenever the fixtures are played.
Familiar Faces Could Stand in Chiefs’ Way
If selected by their respective clubs, Morris and Sirino could line up for Durban City against their former teammates, while Matlou, Ntwari and Gumede may also have the chance to prove themselves against Amakhosi.
Those potential reunions promise to add another layer of excitement to the new PSL season as several ex-Chiefs players prepare to test themselves against the club they recently left.
