By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kaizer Chiefs Football Club confirmed the departure of defender Erick “Tower” Mathoho, who has been struggling for game time and his contract also coming to an end.
Mathoho, who is 33-years-old, has only featured once for Chiefs this season. He came on as a late substitute against SuperSport United in September last year.
In a statement the club said, “One of Kaizer Chiefs’ longest-serving players Mulomowandau Erick Mathoho will sadly leave the Club as we conclude the 2022/23 DStv Premiership season.”
“We wish ‘Tower’ well in the future. Vha tshimbile zwavhudi vhoMathoho.”
Mathoho was one of first signings by Stuart Baxter in his first season in 2012/13 from Bloemfontein Celtic, featuring in 34 matches in all competitions as Chiefs won the double – the league and the Nedbank Cup.
He then formed a solid partnership with Tefu Mashamaite especially in the 2014/15 campaign, with the latter claiming the biggest prize in the PSL – PSL Footballer of the Season.
They were colossal at the back as Chiefs won another league title and the MTN8 trophy to complete another double. Sadly that was the last joy for Amakhosi to claim a major trophy.
In 11 seasons with Amakhosi, Mathoho has featured in 262 matches, scoring 28 goals in all competitions.
Mathoho is not the only senior Chiefs player whose contract is coming to an end on June 30. Players like Khama Billiat,Itumeleng Khune and Phathutshedzo Nange also face an uncertain future at Naturena as their contracts will also expire next month.