In a bid to secure more playing time, Kaizer Chiefs have sent defenders
Samekelo Zwane and Happy Mashiane on loan to Polokwane City. However, a look
at the club’s recent history with loaned players suggests a return to
Naturena is far from guaranteed. The evidence from the past five years
paints a stark picture: very few who leave on loan ever make it back into
the Amakhosi setup.
A Pattern of Limited Opportunities
The primary issue for loaned players has been a severe lack of game time at
their temporary clubs. Last season’s loans are a prime example:
- Mduduzi Mdantsane & Sabelo Radebe (Richards Bay): Both managed
only three appearances each, with Mdantsane’s stint starting only in
January. Unsurprisingly, Chiefs decided against retaining them. - Donay Jansen (SuperSport United): In a telling irony, Jansen was also
restricted to just three appearances. He has now returned to a Chiefs
squad that has made 11 new signings, making his prospects even slimmer.
A History of Unfulfilled Potential
This trend isn’t new. Looking back to the 2022/23 season:
- Darrel Matsheke (Moroka Swallows): Seen as a promising case after
featuring 19 times, he was still not retained by Chiefs upon his return. - Lebohang Lesako (Moroka Swallows): Managed only two appearances and
was ultimately released after his loan deal expired. - Keletso Sifama (Casric Stars): Featured just twice in the Motsepe
Foundation Championship and was let go once his contract ended.
This pattern extends even further back, with players like Sizwe Twala,
Kabelo Mahlasela, and Yusuf Bunting failing to use their loan spells as a
springboard back into the Chiefs first team.
For Zwane and Mashiane at Polokwane City, the message is clear: the loan
move is a critical audition. To break this long-standing cycle, they will
need to secure consistent playing time and make an undeniable impact—a feat
their recent predecessors have struggled to achieve.
