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SABC Sport can confirm that defender Bongani Sam and Kaizer Chiefs have officially parted ways following protracted negotiations over a settlement.
The 28-year-old joined Amakhosi from their Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates for an undisclosed fee a little over 12 months ago when coach Nasreddine Nabi was set to take over the reins at Naturena.
Although Sam was the first signing, he got injured during pre-season in Turkey and was never able to make an official appearance for Chiefs after recovering.
It was believed he would feature at some point, especially when Thatayaone Ditlhokwe was sold in January and the club had a crisis in defense.
The public broadcaster has now been informed that Sam and Chiefs finally reached an agreement to mutually go their separate ways to allow the player a fresh start as a free agent ahead of the Betway Premiership kick-off.
Sam still had two years left on his contract.
Chiefs have already signed two left backs in Paseka Mako and Nkanyiso Shinga, while Happy Mashiane also remains on their books.
The Glamour Boys had intended to send Sam on loan seven months ago to Magesi FC, but the deal collapsed on deadline day when the player was due for a medical in Limpopo to complete the registration.
He is now in a position to turn over a new page in his career with his clearance in hand to join a team willing to give him an opportunity.
Sam is also a former junior international and has one senior cap for Bafana Bafana from his days at Bloemfontein Celtic prior to joining Pirates.
