Ashley Du Preez has indicated he wants to leave Kaizer Chiefs, with sources telling reporters the South Africa international is frustrated by his lack of regular game time at Naturena. The 26-year-old striker has made only 14 starts across all competitions this season, scoring four goals, and is now weighing options from clubs in the Saudi Pro League and Turkish Süper Lig.
Du Preez's Frustration Boils Over
Du Preez joined Kaizer Chiefs in January 2023 on a four-year deal worth approximately R6 million per season. Despite showing promise early on, the player has found himself behind new signing Ranga Chivaviro in the attacking rotation under coach Nasreddine Nabi. Insiders close to the player say the situation became untenable after Du Preez was dropped from the matchday squad for the 2-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns last month.
"Ashley feels he deserves more opportunities," one source close to the negotiations told reporters on Tuesday. "He has ambitions to play at a higher level and doesn't want to spend another season on the bench."
Blom Reunion Adds Fuel to Transfer Talks
The plot thickened this week when reports emerged that Nduduzo Makhathini is pushing for his former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, Caleb Blom, to be signed by his current club. Blom, who left Amakhosi in 2022, has been in excellent form in the Middle East, contributing eight goals and four assists in 22 appearances this term.
Makhathini previously worked with Blom during his brief tenure as Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach in 2021. The two have maintained contact, and sources say Makhathini views the 24-year-old as the perfect midfield anchor for his tactical setup.
The Attraction for Du Preez
Should Du Preez leave Kaizer Chiefs, the possibility of linking up with former teammates in Saudi Arabia or Turkey has become a talking point among supporters. At least three clubs have already registered informal enquiries about his availability, though no formal offer has been submitted.
Kaizer Chiefs' hierarchy has yet to respond publicly to the speculation. Club CEO Onkgopotse Toyota declined to comment when approached by journalists on Wednesday.
What This Means for Amakhosi
Losing Du Preez would represent a significant blow to Nabi's attack. The player brought versatility and physical presence that proved valuable in tight matches. Chiefs currently sit fourth in the DStv Premiership standings, nine points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, and a transfer at this stage of the season would leave limited time to source a replacement.
The club's recruitment committee will need to decide whether to grant permission for talks or insist on seeing out the remaining two years of his contract. Financial considerations also play a role, as any sale would need to cover the significant investment made in his signing.
Deadlines and Next Steps
The January transfer window closes on February 2. If Du Preez is to leave this season, an agreement must be reached well before that date to allow for registration. Sources suggest the player's representatives have requested permission to speak with interested clubs, and a response from Kaizer Chiefs is expected within the next ten days.
Supporters will be watching closely. Du Preez's potential departure, combined with the Blom reunion subplot, has added extra intrigue to what was already shaping up to be a pivotal January for the club.
Club CEO Onkgopotse Toyota declined to comment when approached by journalists on Wednesday.What This Means for AmakhosiLosing Du Preez would represent a significant blow to Nabi's attack. Financial considerations also play a role, as any sale would need to cover the significant investment made in his signing.Deadlines and Next StepsThe January transfer window closes on February 2.
