Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that academy graduate Xolani Cossa will spend the current season on loan at Motsepe Foundation Championship side Gomora FC, with the 22-year-old defender set to leave the club for a second consecutive campaign.
The left centre-back spent last season with Botswana Premier League club Black Lions FC, where he made a strong impression. Despite that experience, Chiefs have decided to loan him out again rather than include him in Fernando da Cruz’s plans for the new season.
Cossa’s move makes him the second Kaizer Chiefs player to join the Gauteng-based club, following Sfiso Timba’s decision to remain at Gomora after initially moving there in January.
The announcement comes after the departure of Aden McCarthy, which had led to expectations that Cossa might be retained as an option in central defence. However, Rushwin Dortley is also unavailable as he continues to recover from the long-term injury he suffered in early 2025.
Chiefs are increasingly using the Motsepe Foundation Championship as a destination for academy graduates seeking regular senior football. Earlier this week, the club confirmed that Samkelo Zwane and Bontle Molefe would spend the current season with Hope FC.
In a statement released on Friday, Kaizer Chiefs said:
“Kaizer Chiefs can confirm that promising left centre-back Xolani Cossa will spend the upcoming season on loan at Gomora FC, who compete in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, which is the PSL’s National First Division (NFD),” reads the statement.
“The 22-year-old defender, a product of the Kaizer Chiefs Youth Development Academy, is expected to get regular playing time before returning to Naturena at the end of the season, having gained valuable experience.
“Cossa joins his teammate Sfiso Timba, who also recently moved to the Gauteng-based side. The pair’s presence at Gomora FC will help them gain exposure and give them opportunities to sharpen their skills at a professional level.
“The Club remains confident that both players will benefit from their time in the NFD and return to Naturena more mature, well-rounded footballers, ready to contribute to the Glamour Boys’ future success,” concluded the statement.
Cossa’s latest loan is part of a growing group of Amakhosi academy products who will compete in the Motsepe Foundation Championship this season. The arrangement is intended to provide him with consistent playing time and further professional experience before he returns to Naturena at the end of the campaign.
Chiefs had previously announced the loan departures of Zwane and Molefe to Hope FC, while Timba’s move means Cossa will now join a familiar teammate at Gomora FC. Both players will be expected to develop further through regular football at National First Division level.
The club remains hopeful that their time away from Naturena will help them return as more mature and complete players capable of contributing to Kaizer Chiefs’ future.