Newly crowned champions Kaizer Chiefs are parting ways with their long serving goalkeeper and captain Brian Baloyi. The 14-year relationship between Amakhosi and Baloyi came to an abrupt end after Baloyi visited the club headquarters on Friday, June 04, 2004 and handed in a letter that indicated he would not be signing his new contract.

“I have decided after much thought, not to renew my contract with Kaizer Chiefs Football Club,” said Baloyi in his letter addressed to club chairman Kaizer Motaung. “It was not an easy decision for me to make, however, I feel that I am at a stage in my career where I need a new and fresh challenge.”

In his response Motaung said: ”We are sad to be parting ways with a player of Brian’s calibre, particularly after such a long and successful time, so he will be sadly missed. However, we are disappointed by the manner in which Brian and his manager Glynn Binkin conducted themselves during these negotiations. The new terms of the aborted contract were agreed to by all parties concerned almost three months ago but the signing thereof was delayed due to the unavailability of Binkin who was mostly out of the country. Having said that we are not surprised now that he has opted for this move because we did get information that he was negotiating with other clubs,” said Motaung.

Motaung added that his club will however, treasure the 14 years of the relationship with Baloyi as a young player who started at an early age: “We are, indeed extremely proud of the contribution we have made in developing Baloyi as one of the most recognized icons of South African sport, particularly as a leader and we wish him all the best in his new endeavours,” he concluded.

This revelation follows widespread speculation about Baloyi‘s future linking the player to a possible move to Amakhosi arch-rivals Sundowns.

In another twist Kaizer Chiefs development product Nhlanhla Kubheka, also managed by Glynn Binkin, has agreed terms with the club and will be staying with the Phefeni Boys for another two years.