During a recent briefing of the media, the former Kaizer Chiefs striker turned senior manager explained the club’s decision on the age range in the squad. The general view around the world has long been convinced that the age of 30 is when a footballer becomes old. We can say this is true based on the business of contracts and sporting definition. We can’t deny the fact that sport belongs to the young.
However, the definition is more complicated when we’re talking about fitness, performance, and leadership on the pitch. This is where coaches will tell you about the high value of experienced players. Nevertheless, let’s look at Amakhosi’s players that are 30 and older, based on the business of professional football contracts. From the squad’s sum of 33 players, we’ve found a total of 13 players who are 30 and older. Check out the list below:
- Daniel Akpeyi, goalkeeper: 35
- Itumeleng Khune, goalkeeper, 34
- Daniel Cardoso, central defender, 33
- Erick Mathoho, central defender, 32
- Ramahlwe Mphahle, central defender, 32
- Sifiso Hlanti, left-back, 31
- Cole Alexander, midfielder, 32
- Kearyn Baccus, midfielder, 30
- Phathutshedzo Nange, midfielder, 30
- Lebogang Manyama, attacking midfielder, 31
- Bernard Parker, utility player, 36
- Khama Billiat, forward, 31
- Leonardo Castro, striker, 32.
Special mention: Samir Nurkovic is only turning 30 on the 13th of June. So who will be departing at the end of June? It is most likely the 30+ players whose contracts are ending. Check the list here.
