Siwelele want Happy Mashiane, Samkelo Zwane as free agents

The pair joined Siwelele on loan from Amakhosi in January in search of regular game time and an opportunity to revive their careers.

Mashiane, a product of the Chiefs academy, was promoted to the senior team in 2019 under then coach Ernst Middendorp but has struggled for consistency due to injuries and stiff competition for places.

The loan move was seen as a chance for the defender to rediscover form and confidence with a review at the end of the campaign.

Zwane, meanwhile, emerged as one of Chiefs’ brightest midfield prospects after also being promoted in 2023 following impressive displays in the reserve league and South Africa’s junior national teams.

However, neither player managed to make the desired impact during their spell away from their parent club, with Mashiane featuring only once in all competitions for Siwelele, while Zwane has made seven appearances so far.

Information gathered by the public broadcaster indicates that the soon-to-be fully Bloemfontein-based outfit would prefer to sign the pair permanently rather than extend their loans, but would only pursue the players should they be released by Chiefs.

Both players remain under contract with The Glamour Boys, meaning any permanent transfer would require an agreement between the clubs, unless Amakhosi terminate their contracts to enable them a free transfer.

Their futures are expected to be discussed next month, particularly with Chiefs likely to appoint a new coach as Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef remain in limbo regarding their futures at the club.

The co-coaches have secured CAF Confederation Cup qualification after Chiefs sealed a third place finish in the Betway Premiership on Sunday, while also recording the club’s highest points tally in five years.

It’s an achievement that could strengthen their case to remain but what is guaranteed is that whoever is in the hot seat could ultimately decide where Mashiane and Zwane will play next season.

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