Willard Katsande’s future at Kaizer Chiefs is hanging by a thread after coach Ernst Middendorp has hinted that the club will release some players at the end of the season to make way for new recruits.

Speaking after Chiefs’ 2-0 win over Cape Town City over the weekend, Middendorp said some players were not giving their all at Chiefs and that they could be released.

“We are capable of achieving. At the moment we are not 100% happy with some players, it’s not a secret,” said Middendorp, according to The Citizen newspaper.

“We have to look at how far we can go next season. But that’s a normal process.

“Attitude is very important for everyone. You must always have the right attitude. If you come to the training session and do a little bit on Monday, push yourself on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Thursday you just roll your fingers… What do you want with that type of player?

“There is so much data analysis that tells you how much a player is giving you, so you can’t say that I am out because the coach doesn’t love me. It’s very clear. The players are in the spotlight every day. There’s progress, and there are a lot of challenges on everybody’s shoulders.”

Katsande fell out favour since the arrival of Middendorp in December. He sat out on the bench in the weekend’s game.

The midfielder’s contract with Chiefs is set to expire in June next year.