Itumeleng Khune, Mandla Masango and Tefu Mashamaite have all had their contracts with the side terminated.
Kaizer Chiefs revealed in their highly anticipated end-of-season press conference that negotiations between the team and the players had broken down – with excessive financial demands identified as the chief reason for the players’ departures.
Club chairman Kaizer Motaung did not mince his words, questioning the integrity and loyalty of the players.
"We cannot be held ransom by anyone, it does not take one or two players to make a team,” he declared. Motaung was particularly emotive regarding the departure of goalkeeper Khune, labelling the player as “disrespectful” during their contract negotiations. "His case became disrespectful to the club.
"He sent a note, saying he will talk to us when he comes back on 18 June. That is when the players come back for tests. We decided as a club that there was no point in continuing negotiations with the player," Motaung said.
He added that he felt Khune had been badly advised by his management team. Other senior players who have left the club include midfielders Josta Dladla and Siyabonga Nkosi, as well as striker Katlego Mphela.
This article was originally published on now.co.za