With Kaizer Chiefs expected to complete the signing of defender Bongani Sam from Orlando Pirates, the situation possibly presents a fresh challenge for another player at the club looking to secure more playing time.
Chiefs are reported to be in the process of completing what could be their first official signing ahead of next season under new head coach Nasreddine Nabi.
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That signing is left-back Sam, touted as a replacement for S'fiso Hlanti, who was released by the club. However, the move casts further doubt over the future of current left-back Happy Mashiane, who has one year remaining on his current deal with Amakhosi.
Mashiane came through the club's development but has struggled to impress the side's recent coaches. The 26-year-old made just one appearance for Chiefs last season under Cavin Johnson and none under Molefi Ntseki.
Mashiane fared slightly better under Arthur Zwane, making 14 appearances. In fact, the versatile wing-back enjoyed his best spell at Chiefs under Gavin Hunt, where he made 24 appearances in the 2020/21 season.
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It had been understood that the exit of Hlanti would open a door for Mashiane to perhaps secure more game-time, but the Soweto giants' pursuit of a left-back raises more questions over his place in the squad.
Nevertheless, the the former junior international can also play as a winger and will have his chance to impress the all-new technical team headed by Nabi when the Naturena-based outfit begin their pre-season in Turkey.