Stellenbosch opt against signing ex-Kaizer Chiefs defender Mashiane over fitness concerns

Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt has revealed that former Kaizer Chiefs left-back Happy Mashiane was not offered a contract because he has been out of regular football for several years and was short of the physical condition required.

Mashiane left Kaizer Chiefs at the end of last season and spent part of pre-season training with Stellenbosch, where Hunt and his technical team ran the rule over the 26-year-old in the hope of reviving his career.

Hunt, who previously coached Mashiane at Chiefs during the 2020-21 campaign, confirmed the club ultimately decided not to proceed after assessing his current level.

“Happy was there, but Happy hasn’t played football for four or five years. It was difficult to take him. He is out of touch, you know. Hadn’t played in a long time, condition wasn’t good. I don’t have time for that now. We need to hit the ground running, you know,” Hunt told media.

Hunt’s past faith in Mashiane

Hunt gave Mashiane his first sustained opportunity in the Kaizer Chiefs first team in 2020-21, a season in which Amakhosi operated under a FIFA transfer ban and were unable to register new players.

The restriction forced Chiefs to lean heavily on their existing squad and promote younger players, with Mashiane among those handed game time by Hunt as the club tried to remain competitive domestically and in continental competition.

During that period the left-footer was regarded as one of the more promising youngsters at Naturena, with his versatility and delivery from wide areas earning him regular minutes in all competitions.

Champions League final red card a turning point

However, Mashiane’s progress stalled after he was sent off in the 2021 CAF Champions League final against Al Ahly.

By the time of that match, Hunt had already departed Chiefs and Stuart Baxter had taken over as head coach at Naturena. Mashiane’s dismissal in the first half of the final against the Egyptian giants became a defining moment in his early career.

According to those close to his development at the time, the red card marked a noticeable dip in his confidence and form, and he struggled to recapture the level he had shown under Hunt in the months leading up to the final.

Limited game time on loan at Celtic

Last season, Mashiane was sent on loan from Kaizer Chiefs to Siwelele, where he hoped to re-establish himself with more regular minutes.

But he was unable to secure a consistent place under coach Lehlohonolo Seema and “hardly made it” into the matchday squad across the campaign, further contributing to his lack of rhythm heading into this year’s pre-season.

That lack of recent competitive football ultimately counted against him when Stellenbosch were weighing up whether to add him to their squad, with Hunt clear that he needs players ready to contribute immediately as the new season approaches.

The decision leaves Mashiane currently unattached and searching for a new club as he looks to restart a career that had once promised so much during his early breakthrough at Kaizer Chiefs.