Kaizer Chiefs Confirm George Matlou Exit as Midfielder’s Contract Expires

Kaizer Chiefs Confirm George Matlou Exit as Midfielder’s Contract Expires

  • Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed another squad change as a midfielder’s Amakhosi journey comes to an end
  • The former Swallows FC player leaves Naturena after a challenging spell that included injury setbacks
  • Fans have shared emotional reactions after Chiefs announced the latest departure

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Kaizer Chiefs have officially announced the departure of midfielder George Matlou after four years at the club.

Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa, George Matlou
Kaizer Chiefs announced the departure of George Matlou from the club. Image:@lgmatlou
Source: Instagram

In a statement released by the club on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, Kaizer Chiefs thanked Matlou for his time at Amakhosi and wished him all the best in his future career.

The club’s statement read:

“After four seasons with Kaizer Chiefs, George Matlou’s contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of June 2026.
The 27-year-old attacking midfielder joined the Glamour Boys from Swallows FC in July 2022 and played an important role in the squad that lifted the Nedbank Cup during the 2024/25 season.
We thank George for his commitment and contribution to Amakhosi and wish him well in his future career.”

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George Matlou’s Kaizer Chiefs career and injury setback

Matlou’s time at Kaizer Chiefs was disrupted by injuries, with the midfielder suffering a knee injury during Amakhosi’s 2-1 defeat to Zamalek SC in their final group match of the CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday, 14 February 2026.

The injury ruled him out for the remainder of the season after he underwent surgery. Matlou had only recently returned from a previous setback and managed to feature in four matches before suffering another injury blow.

The midfielder joined Kaizer Chiefs from Swallows FC in July 2022 and mainly played as an attacking midfielder or central midfielder. During his four seasons at the club, he made over 30 appearances across competitions, scoring one goal and providing one assist.

His biggest achievement with Amakhosi came during the 2024/25 season when he was part of the squad that lifted the Nedbank Cup, ending Chiefs’ long wait for silverware.

Although competition for places limited his consistent run in the starting XI, Matlou was viewed as a creative midfield option who contributed when called upon.

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Read the statement below.

Kaizer Chiefs fans react to George Matlou's departure

Kaizer Chiefs, who finished third in the Betway Premier League during the 2025/26 season, are preparing for a new era under newly appointed head coach Fernando Da Cruz. Reports suggest he is expected to arrive in South Africa in the coming weeks alongside his technical team.

Fans reacted to Matlou’s exit with mixed emotions.

@MfingoK:

“Thank you for the service, ntwana, wishing you all the best in your future club. Forget the haters, o star boizen.”

@Mightyems:

“Go well, George and thank you for being one of the players who brought silverware to the team and making supporters happy because the last time when we were this happy was when Zuma was still the president.”

@Khumzasm:

“Motaungs at their best, but what did we expect? It’s a family business, they care about money not success.”

@dukiso_odwa:

“Farewell to George, may he find a new home and shine wherever he is going.”

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@Stranger56803:

“Watch them replacing him with Thabang Monare 💔😭.”

@Fabriz_khosi:

“He is better than Tito Maswanganyi in my books. The problem is that he had injuries. Much love Tlou ❤️.”
Kaizer Chiefs, George Matlou, Souh Africa, Soweto
George Matlou joined Kaizer Chiefs in 2022. Image:@lgmatlou
Source: Instagram

Bafana star dumps Kaizer Chiefs

Briefly News earlier reported that a South African international has decided to leave Kaizer Chiefs for a new club in Europe after a tremendous performance in the just-concluded season.

The Bafana Bafana star is expected to be competing in the UEFA Champions League next season with his new club.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Ncube Harrison avatar

Ncube Harrison (Sports Editor) Harrison Ncube is a sports journalist with years of experience covering African and global sports. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from the Zimbabwe Open University and previously worked at Sports Buzz (2018–2022), freelanced for Sports Journal (2023–2024), and contributed to Radio 54 African Panorama Live (2021–2023). He joined Briefly News in February 2025. For inquiries, reach him at ncube.harrison@briefly.co.za.