Kaizer Chiefs caretaker coach Cavin Johnson acknowledged Siyethemba Sithebe’s recent good form and echoed the player’s focus on playing, not his contract situation.

Sithebe, initially sidelined in favor of Edson Castillo and Yusuf Maart, has made a strong comeback in recent matches. This resurgence comes at a crucial time, as his contract expires at the season’s end.

The former AmaZulu midfielder signed a two-year deal with a renewal option last season. With only two games remaining, his contract is set to expire.

“Sithebe has been doing well as far as football is concerned,” said Johnson. 

“He spoke the other day in the newspapers that he is not really worried about contract now, but what he is worried about is playing football.  

Johnson continued, praising Sithebe’s professionalism: “He is getting the opportunity to play football and when you see people like that, then you appreciate what he does for himself as a human being, what he does for football as a human being, what he is doing for Kaizer Chiefs. 

“The contract issue and things like that, he knows what happens – it is either stays or he goes. But what is he here for? He is here to play football. So, what is he doing – to play football. We appreciate that very much.”

While Sithebe has started four of the past five games (resulting in one win), he’s not the only player facing a contract expiration at the end of June. Edmilson Dove, club legend Itumeleng Khune, Njabulo Ngcobo, Sifiso Hlanti, Lehlogonolo Matlou, and loan striker Jason Gonzalez will also be out of contract.

Picture courtesy of Kaizer Chiefs