Bloemfontein Celtic have confirmed that midfielder Ntokozo Sikhakhane has been released from his contract with 'Siwelele'.

Sikhakhane - who joined 'Siwelele' from Kaizer Chiefs - was making the headlines for all the wrong reasons last season, but the club continued to stand by their man.

"Yes, I can confirm that we have released Sikhakhane on a mutual agreement," Celtic Communications Manager Petros Augousti told the club's official website. "Obviously there are reasons why we decided to let him go, but we agreed not to talk about them."

Meanwhile, Augousti dismissed reports that star midfielder Lebo Mothibantwa had left the club and joined Orlando Pirates.

"Lebo has been training with the team since Monday and he has not indicated to us that he is leaving. As far as I know, Lebo is still with us," said Augousti.

Augousti also revealed that the club would not be making any signings until new coach Mich D'Avray arrives in the country.

"He is the one who will decide as to which areas in our squad need reinforcements," explained Augousti.

"We cannot just go and buy players without the coach's input as it might turn out that the new players do not fit into his system."

Meanwhile, D'Avray is expected to arrive in the country this weekend - just in time for the Eastern Cape Premier's Cup, which features Celtic, Platinum Stars, SuperSport United and local side Bay United.