Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Maluleka has penned an emotional farewell letter to the club and their supporters ahead of his new beginning at Mamelodi Sundowns.

Chiefs confirmed last week that Maluleka, along with two other players, had left the club following the end of their contracts on 30 June.

Chiefs had tried to get the midfielder to sign an extension but after months of discussion the club revealed that the 31-year-old had agreed a pre-contract with Sundowns.

With the season extended due to coronavirus, many wondered if Maluleka would sign a short-term deal with Chiefs to keep him there for the rest of the season. Amakhosi, however, decided against such a deal leaving Maluleka free to sign with Downs.

Since Maluleka’s departure Sundowns have confirmed his signing and the former SuperSport United youth graduate has since taken to social media to bid Chiefs and their supporters farewell.

‘To the Chairman [Kaizer Motaung], staff members and faithful Kaizer Chiefs fans, it’s a constant surprise of just how far a road we have travelled together,’ wrote Maluleka.

‘The continued love, commitment and support you’ve shown can never be forgotten. The road that I have travelled with Kaizer Chiefs could not have been done without your continued support.

‘Thanks for always getting excited about the games we played as a team, despite it not always ending good [sic]. Your support expressed on social media and other platforms, also in real life and in real time, will always be appreciated.

‘Endings are never easy but I celebrate it knowing that it precedes new beginnings. As I enter a new season, I remember the powerful words of Martin Luther King Jr: “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

‘You will all continue to hold a special place in my heart, both now and for years to come. And, as I take my first step into the new season, I look forward to the new challenges that lie ahead at Mamelodi Sundowns.’