Maritzburg United chairman Farouk Kadodia says they could not guarantee Keagan Buchanan a new contract as his deal neared the end and the player then was distracted by the development.
The former Kaizer Chiefs man's Team of Choice contract was due to expire in June but his future at the club looked bleak despite being a regular.
Buchanan missed just one of their 15 Premier Soccer League games this season and contributed three assists.
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He also appeared in two Cup games and made one assist but the club released him on transfer deadline day despite their bid to escape the relegation zone where they are currently 15th with the same number of points as basement side Black Leopards.