As part of their preparation for the new season, Venda FC (formerly known as Venda Football Academy) has parted ways with nine players who were part of their squad last season. The players whose employment contracts with the Thohoyandou side were terminated are Madimana Munyai, Sbonelo Ngubane, Thulane Ndlela, Nicolas Motloung, Maanda Rembuluwani, Tau Rankoko, Lucky Munyai, Christopher Mbhele, and Rhulani Manzini.
According to the club's chairman, Mr Itani Munzhelele, the players were released after recommendations by the team's head coach, Mr. Joel Masutha. Mr Munzhelele, commonly known as Vhanzheli, stated that they had signed 18 seasoned players to strengthen last season's squad.
Among the new faces in Venda FC's camp, Thabiso Nkoana and Moeketsi Sekola played for Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila last year. Three of the new recruits had experience with Black Leopards. Matimu Tshabalala and Kenneth Nthatheni were part of the Black Leopards squad last season. Another player, Isaac Masia, had played for Lidoda Duvha for several years before moving to Maritzburg United.
When asked about the possibility of signing more players before the new season's league programme starts, Mr Munzhelele mentioned that their technical team was still evaluating a number of players. He added that they would announce the full squad before the new season kicked off in two weeks' time.
The 18 players who have already signed employment contracts with Venda FC are Ludwe Mpakumpaku, Lungile Gama, Matimu Tshabalala, Kgotatso Mariba, Moeketsi Sekola, Thabiso Nkoana, Kenneth Nthatheni, Tumelo Mokgalaka, Lwazi Meek, Patrick Malivha, Kamohelo Lehalehale, Thabelo Tshikweta, Livhuwani Mmbengwa, Reagan Lubesha, Fulufhelo Phaswana, Zebulon Mtsweni, Kgomotso Masia, and Given Murwamuiwa.