Former Orlando Pirates star Kermit Erasmus has opened up on how he felt unappreciated towards the end of his time with the club, having rejoined after a spell with Mamelodi Sundowns.
The 34-year-old is one of seven players who have been released by Pirates as their contracts expired at the end of June alongside Thabang Monare, Siyabonga Mpontshane, Richard Ofori, Vincent Pule, Fortune Makaringe and Souaibou Marou.
READ | Ex-Pirates fan-favourite's emotional farewell
He joined Pirates on a shock two-year deal ahead of the start of the 2022/23 season. While he proved reliable when called upon, the pint-sized attacker struggled to find consistency and, consequently, game time.
Speaking on the last episode of Bucs Camp, shot in June, Erasmus spoke emotionally about his lack of regular minutes and occasions where he felt he had been 'mistreated'.
"I feel that we don't appreciate the people who contributed and sacrificed their lives in this industry. To entertain people on weekends, to put a club on a pedestal, and to win things for a club, to help create history for a club," he said.
"In return, there is no thank you in a valued way where you can see that he's being looked after in the way that for what he has contributed in his life. I came to this club, and if we are speaking about money, closer to 50% of my salary to come here. I gave everything to the club.
ERASMUS!
— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) May 6, 2023
Kermit Erasmus with the opener for the Sea Robbers courtesy of a brilliant run from Saleng ??#NedbankCup pic.twitter.com/Q5oLitr2u1
"When I arrived, the team was struggling. I'm not saying I'm an individual that can change everything, but with my winning mentality, I can contrite to affect things in the right way, and when I arrived, I believe that's what I've done, up until I wasn't allowed to do that anymore, which was obviously [at] the beginning of the year.
"I just feel that there is no respect in the way that things have gone, more so for what I have done in my career and for this club, and I'm not saying the club hasn't done anything for me. But I'm talking as an individual playing football.
"Personally, I'm proud of what I achieved, but unfortunately, it means nothing in this country. Unfortunately.
"The way I've been treated was, people being told I was injured when I wasn't. I've heard it from numerous people, numerous journalists. Not being told whether I'm going to be kept or I'm going to leave. I'm not the only one, I'm speaking for other players, not only at this club but at other clubs as well, where they don't think of athletes or players as human, knowing that they also need to prepare for their lives; whether you are staying at the club or not.
ALSO READ | Chiefs close in on first Nabi signing?
"Then there is another aspect for not playing in the last six months of your contract, and you ask yourself is this the 'thank you' they are giving you for what you have contributed over the past two seasons you have been here? Giving everything you have, week in, week out, every day. Bringing back the glory days of the club.
"So, for me, we can speak all day about how I feel about football in this country, the only appreciation you get is the love you feel from fans."
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siyethemba Sithebe echoed somewhat similar sentiments, in an interview with Soccer Laduma newspaper. The dreadlocked midfielder expressed his frustration with being told 'late' that his contract would not be renewed.
"It was worse for me because I was informed late, do you understand? So now I have the responsibility of finding a new team at this point of the season," Sithebe said.