Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siyethemba Sithebe could be set for a sensational return to AmaZulu.

Chiefs officially confirmed Sithebe’s departure on Friday upon the expiry of his contract.

Sithebe joined Chiefs at the beginning of the 2022/23 season after a controversial exit from AmaZulu. The club president, Sandile Zungu, banished him from playing in the second half of the 2021/22 season after news emerged that Sithebe had signed a pre-contract with Chiefs.

But this decision did not go down well with coach Benni McCarthy at the time, but partly he understood as the player was still training with the club even though he knew he won’t play.

Sithebe’s brother Musawenkosi said there is an interest but he did not want to divulge the news when he was called by Sportswire.

This was also mentioned in the reputable isiZulu newspaper Ilanga, that Sithebe might be rejoining AmaZulu. Ilanga also called Musawakhele, but he remained tight-lipped, only mentioning that “many are interested” in the midfielder.

The 31-year-old Sithebe rose to prominence with AmaZulu during the 2020/21 season under coach McCarthy. His partnership with Makhehleni Makhaula was instrumental in propelling the team to a second-place finish and CAF Champions League qualification.

This after McCarthy, who is reportedly on his way out to become a strikers’ coach at Manchester United, arrived at AmaZulu in December 2020 and revitalized the club. They even collected more points than eventual champions Mamelodi Sundowns from the time of his arrival.

Despite his past success with AmaZulu, including a COSAFA Cup win in 2021 where he was named player of the tournament, Sithebe only started 10 out of 11 league matches last season for Chiefs and didn’t participate in any cup competitions.

Chiefs, who also released Keagan Dolly, Sifiso Hlanti and Njabulo Ngcobo on Friday, endured a disappointing season last term, finishing 10th in the DStv Premiership – their worst placing in the PSL era. Signs were clear that they were going to act.