Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi refused to confirm whether midfielder Sbongiseni “Ox” Mthethwa is part of his plans this season after rumours linked him with a potential loan move to Magesi FC this season.

Mthethwa, who joined Amakhosi last season from Stellenbosch, gathered huge speculation that he was on his way out at the Soweto giants. 

His place in the starting spot has been made murky following the arrival of Njabulo Blom. 

Mthethwa, in two wins for Chiefs in the 2024/25 Betway Premiership, has not been part of the side, having struggled to make an impact, featuring in just 20 matches across all competitions without registering a goal or assist. 

Despite limited game time, it appears Chiefs may have already decided on Mthethwa’s future, with reports suggesting the club was considering sending him out on loan during the off-season. 

After Chiefs’ dominant win over AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday, Nabi remained tight-lipped about Mthethwa’s future but was quick to praise the player’s abilities and left open the possibility of him starting in their next game against Mamelodi Sundowns.

“Why do you ask me only about Mthethwa? There are so many other players. We are a group. Mthethwa is a good quality player, he has particular qualities. I don’t know, maybe after Wednesday he will start for the Sundowns game,” said the Tunisian coach.

Nabi also emphasized his desire to maintain team unity, adding, “But I don’t want to talk too much about [one player], I want to talk about all the players.”

As Chiefs aim to extend their winning streak, they face a formidable challenge in reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns. While the outcome of that match is eagerly awaited, Mthethwa’s future remains uncertain—something Chiefs will hope doesn’t distract from their efforts on the pitch.