Kaizer Chiefs recently stirred up considerable attention by releasing several players from their DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) squad. These were not just any players, but prominent figures, including the DDC captain, Omega Mdaka. The decision has sparked discussions about the reasons behind the release and the subsequent paths these players have taken.
Prominent Players Released
Among the notable players released were Omega Mdaka, a left-back who served as the captain of the DDC team, and Puso Dithejane, a right-back and Bafana Bafana international. The club cited ill-discipline as the primary reason for their release. This disciplinary issue arose when both players, along with other members of the DDC team, refused to perform ball boy duties for the first team. This act of defiance was seen as significant enough to warrant their release from the club.
Mdaka’s Search for a New Club
Following his departure from Kaizer Chiefs, Omega Mdaka began searching for a new club. Initially, it appeared that he would quickly find a new team, as he was invited to train with AmaZulu. Reports suggested that Mdaka was offered a contract to join AmaZulu’s reserve team. However, he decided against signing it, preferring to explore other opportunities.
AmaZulu’s head coach, Pablo Martin, provided a different perspective on this matter. He claimed that both Mdaka and AmaZulu were interested in finalizing the deal, but negotiations fell through due to a failure between AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs to agree on a transfer fee. This stalled Mdaka’s transition to AmaZulu, leaving him without a club for several months.
Dithejane’s Smooth Transition to TS Galaxy
Unlike Mdaka, Puso Dithejane did not face much difficulty in securing a new club. Shortly after his release, he joined TS Galaxy, where he continues his professional career. Dithejane’s swift move highlights the contrasting paths taken by the two former Kaizer Chiefs players following their release.
Mdaka’s Potential Revival at Stellenbosch FC
After several months of uncertainty, Omega Mdaka may finally be on the verge of reviving his career. Recent reports from iDiski Times indicate that Mdaka has been spotted training with Stellenbosch FC. The publication noted, “Former Kaizer Chiefs youth development player Omega Mdaka has been seen training with Stellenbosch FC. He has now resurfaced at the Cape Winelands side with hopes of securing a contract for the upcoming 2024/25 season.”
Stellenbosch FC has a history of giving second chances to former Chiefs players. Darrel Matsheke and Kgaugelo Sekgota, both former Chiefs players, had their careers revived at Stellenbosch, where they contributed to the club’s Carling Knockout Cup victory before eventually being released for disciplinary reasons. This history suggests that Stellenbosch could be a promising environment for Mdaka to regain his footing in professional football.
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