The non-renewal of Sifiso Hlanti's contract at Kaizer Chiefs has left the veteran defender facing the reality of what comes with being without a club for the first time in his professional career.
For all the benefits that come with being at Chiefs, there is also the reality of the aftermath of what comes after the expiry of a contract at Naturena.
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Hlanti has become the latest player to experience this challenge as he heads towards completing his third month without a contract.
Already forgotten at Chiefs, Hlanti has watched Bradley Cross taking over with ease as the new left-back replacement.
Cross is 11 years younger than his predecessor.
The situation facing Hlanti is that with his age count nearing 35 in three months time, clubs will naturally be hesitant in signing him regardless of how much football he played last season.
Hlanti featured in 24 matches for Amakhosi through the 2023/24 campaign elevating to amongst a few that were regulars under both Molefi Ntseki and Cavin Johnson.
If it is the argument of how he played at Chiefs last season, then he had the minutes to back his case in moving to another club.
Besides the injury that disturbed him in his first season, Hlanti was able to hold a starting place for the other two years he wore the gold and black colours.
Also playing a factor is the weight of the package that he was on at Chiefs, which will unfortunately not be matched by any club keen to consider him.
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As Hlanti gets down to dealing with his current situation, he is also feeling the blues of this unusual wait.
This is the first time that Hlanti has endured a spell without a club since arriving at Golden Arrows in 2010 from Amajuba Young Killers before spells at Chippa United, Thanda Royal Zulu, AmaZulu, Bidvest Wits, Moroka Swallows, and Chiefs.