Kaizer Chiefs' supposed big earners problem has resurfaced, with two stars' performances and availability being major problems this season.
Amakhosi previously had to review former striker Samir Nurkovic's contribution to the team towards the end of his contract, as he started to miss a lot of games due to injuries and was no longer in the scoring charts.
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After Nurkovic's contract, who was reportedly in the top three bracket of the highest earners during his time at the club, came to an end, the Glamour Boys decided not to renew it, as a huge salary bill without adequate returns seems to have put them off to renew his contract.
Also, former attacker Khama Billiat, who was among the top three highest earners at the club, saw his form dip remarkably in the latter stages of his stay at Naturena, mainly due to recurring injuries.
Billiat's contribution to the team was also starting to be questioned by the supporters and the media, whether Chiefs were getting a return on their investment, as he was no longer playing regularly and not scoring as much as his early years at the club?
Ultimately, after the Zimbabwean's contract ended last season, Amakhosi reportedly offered him a salary-cut offer and as a result, the two parties could not come to terms on a new deal.
Another high earner who is following a similar pattern is Keagan Dolly, whose drought in front of goal could extend to a year as he is reportedly ruled out for up to six weeks with an ankle injury, meaning he could only return when the season resumes in February next year after the Africa Cup of Nations.
Dolly was nursing a long-term injury after he was ruled out for the rest of last season in April this year and missed pre-season before returning to feature in October but has now reportedly been ruled out again.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns forward only scored five goals for Chiefs in the league last season and could score less than that this season, owing to recurring injuries. The 30-year-old has one-and-a-half years left on his contract.
Another high earner is goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune who faced criticism for his performances, as the Glamour Boys lost nine out of 10 matches where he was in goal, stretching back to last season. The veteran shot-stopper faces an uncertain future at the club following reports that he broke the club's code of conduct by allegedly arriving at training under the influence of alcohol.
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