From mannequin to stalwart: 'Tower' and Kaizer Chiefs part ways after productive stay

Former Bafana Bafana international defender Erick Mathoho has parted ways with Kaizer Chiefs after spending eleven seasons with the Soweto Giants.

The 33-year-old centre-back arrived at Naturena in July 2012 from Bloemfontein Celtic in controversial fashion, as he was unveiled in absentia with his jersey and number being shown on a mannequin.

Mathoho, who is affectionately known by the nickname "Tower", went on to win two league titles and one MTN 8 cup with Amakhosi, featuring in 259 matches in all competitions, scoring 26 goals and providing one assist.

Tower Bows Out of AmakhosiOne of Kaizer Chiefs’ longest-serving players Mulomowandau Erick Mathoho will sadly leave the Club as we conclude the 2022/23 DStv Premiership season.Mathoho, who is now 33, joined Chiefs in July 2012 as a 22-year-old from Bloemfontein Celtic, where… pic.twitter.com/giexf2S8GY

The Thohoyandou-born defender struggled for game-time this season, only featuring for a few minutes this season as a late 89th-minute substitute in a 2-1 league victory against SuperSport United last year.

Mathoho would have faced an uphill battle had he stayed at the club, with Kaizer Chiefs signing SuperSport United defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, 24, and TS Galaxy centre-back Given Msimango, 26, who are both set to join the club ahead of the new season.