COMMENT: How will Kaizer Chiefs benefit from their latest changes?

Kaizer Chiefs released no less than five players on Thursday morning as they look to clear-out some deadwood ahead of the new season.

Following a third successive season without a trophy, the likes of Tsepo Masilela, Keagan Buchanan, Sibusiso Khumalo, Edmore Chirambadare and William Twala were all deemed surplus to requirements and subsequently have been released, and Goal looks at whether or not these changes are what was needed at the club.

While the likes of Sundowns and Pirates have been working at bolstering their respective squads ahead of the new season, Chiefs are yet to make their intentions clear.

This is perhaps not the easiest thing to do considering that the club is yet to appoint a permanent coach at the helm.

This has led the team to face much criticism from their fans and the fact that reports suggest that they were snubbed by Patrice Carteron and that they could miss out on another of their targets in Avram Grant is frustrating the fans even further.

This is unlikely to sit well with Chiefs fans and the release of players who were in all fairness fringe players does not instil much confidence in the club’s recruitment.

However, it certainly worth mentioning that while ridding the team of players deemed surplus to requirements, replacing them is a completely different story.

Chiefs will need to sign big, especially if they are to compete with their Soweto rivals. It should also be noted that players such as Buchanan perhaps could have had a fair crack at first team football with another coach at the helm.

However, the effect of change can also not be downplayed. Many of the club’s underperforming players may be wary that they may find their places in the team at risk which could motivate the team.

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While all seems to be quiet on the transfer front with only a handful of players linked with the club, including Madagascar international Dax, it is still too soon to make an accurate judgement on the direction the club is taking.

After all, what is a ship without its captain and in the case of Chiefs, not having a coach with pre-season just around the corner is virtually suicidal.

Nevertheless, it is a waiting game, but if Chiefs are really serious about returning to their glory days then not only is hiring a new coach and releasing surplus players imperative, but bringing on board players who are established match winners to replace the deadwood is essential.