Kaizer Chiefs’ supposed big money problem has resurfaced, with the performance and availability of two stars being major issues this season.
Amakhosi had already had to review former striker Samir Nurkovic’s contribution to the team towards the end of his contract, as he began to miss many games due to injuries and was no longer in the goalscoring charts.
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After the end of the contract of Nurkovic, who was among the top three highest earners during his time at the club, the Glamor Boys decided not to renew it, as a huge wage bill without adequate returns seems to have put them under pressure. leaves to renew his contract.
Additionally, former striker Khama Billiat, who was among the club’s top three earners, saw his form drop remarkably in the latter stages of his time at Naturena, mainly due to recurring injuries.
Billiat’s contribution to the team was also beginning to be questioned by fans and media, whether Chiefs were getting a return on investment as he was no longer playing regularly and scoring as much as his early years at the club?
Eventually, after the Zimbabwean’s contract ended last season, Amakhosi reportedly offered him a pay cut and as a result, the two sides were unable to agree on a new deal.
Another high earner following a similar pattern is Keagan Dolly, whose goal drought could extend to a year as he is ruled out for six weeks with an ankle injury, meaning he could only return when the season resumes. February next year after the African Cup of Nations.
Dolly was nursing a long-term injury after being ruled out for the remainder of last season in April this year and missing pre-season before returning in October, but has now reportedly been ruled out again.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns striker scored just five goals for Chiefs in the league last season and could score fewer than this season, due to recurring injuries. The 30-year-old has a year and a half left on his contract.
Another important player is goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune who has been criticized for his performances, with the Glamor Boys losing nine out of 10 games he was in goal, dating back to last season. The veteran goalkeeper faces an uncertain future at the club following reports he breached the club’s code of conduct by allegedly arriving at training under the influence of alcohol.
