Recent developments at Kaizer Chiefs point towards an exit for defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, but the situation could present a way back in for at least one out-of-favour player.
Ditlhokwe is reportedly on the verge of sealing a big-money move to Libyan outfit Al-Ittihad SC.
He had arrived at Naturena at the start of the 2023/24 on a free transfer after signing a pre-contractual agreement six months prior while at SuperSport United.
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Since then, the lanky centre-back has relatively been an important figure at the side, having featured more times than any other player, before that run was halted by a shoulder injury in November 2023.
Under Nabi, the left-footer initially started out-of-favour but gradually fought his way back, bringing much-needed stability to the rearguard.
Ditlhokwe has featured in eight of the last 10 league matches and boasts an overall total of 32 matches in the famous Gold and Black jersey.
His looming departure leaves a question hanging regarding the make-up of the back four as Chiefs only have Given Msimango and Zitha Kwinika as cover for the club's two main centre-backs Inacio Miguel and Rushwin Dortley.
Although right-footed, Msimango is likely to slot in at left centre-back as cover for Dortley - or in the likely event that the latter is deployed at left-back, another position the side has faced challenges in.
The former TS Galaxy man has endured a frustrating season by his standards, making just four appearances. The pending exit of one of the club's key defender, however, could see that number climb rapidly.
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Kwinika is another centre-back option, but he has made just one appearance this season and is another player understood to be headed towards the exit door at Naturena.
In the meantime, Chiefs are still expected to have Ditlhokwe on their books when they take on Chippa United in the Last 16 of the Nedbank Cup on Saturday.