Veli Mothwa among 21 players released as AmaTuks launch major squad overhaul

AmaTuks have parted ways with 21 players – including former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Veli Mothwa – in one of the most sweeping clear-outs seen in the Motsepe Foundation Championship in recent seasons.

The University of Pretoria club confirmed the mass exodus just days after overhauling their technical team, signalling a major reset after finishing 11th in South Africa’s second tier last season.

Former Bafana goalkeeper shown the exit

Mothwa, 35, joined AmaTuks as a free agent after leaving AmaZulu at the end of June 2025, but struggled to establish himself as first choice.

The experienced shot-stopper, who previously represented South Africa at international level, made only eight appearances under then-head coach Kwanele Kopo before finding himself among those released on Wednesday.

He is one of the most high-profile names on the exit list, alongside striker Prince Nxumalo.

Coaching shake-up after poor league finish

The clear-out follows a disappointing campaign in which AmaTuks failed to mount a promotion challenge and ended the season in mid-table.

Kopo has already been replaced by former Mamelodi Sundowns set-piece coach Michael Loftman, who has stepped into his first senior head-coach role in the Premier Soccer League structure.

Loftman’s arrival is part of a broader restructuring at the University of Pretoria. On Monday, the club also confirmed the departures of assistant coach Machete Moloto and goalkeeper coach Thomas Nare.

At the same time, former Chippa United defender Msekeli Mvalo has been brought into the technical set-up, as AmaTuks seek to inject new ideas and fresh energy into the dressing room.

Major rebuild ahead of new season

The release of 21 players suggests AmaTuks are planning a substantial recruitment drive before the new Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign kicks off.

The Pretoria-based side appear intent on reshaping both their style of play and squad profile, having fallen short of expectations in 2025–26.

While the club has yet to detail its incoming transfer targets, the scale of the exits indicates a shift towards a new core group under Loftman’s leadership.

Big names depart as club resets ambitions

For Mothwa, the move leaves the veteran goalkeeper searching for the next chapter of his career after short spells at successive clubs.

Nxumalo, another seasoned campaigner, also now faces the task of finding a new home, with his departure ending a stint in which he had been one of the more recognisable forwards in the division.

With both the dugout and the dressing room undergoing extensive change, AmaTuks will enter the new season markedly transformed – and under growing pressure to ensure that such a dramatic reset translates into a stronger push for promotion.