Cape Town - Free State Stars are set to release five of the club's top earners as they deal with their relegation to the National First Division (NFD).
Ea Lla Koto's PSL status came to an end on Saturday when they lost 1-0 at home to eventual champions Mamelodi Sundowns while other results did not go their way.
Stars finished the season bottom of the table on goal difference and the cost of relegation will be big with players leaving the club.
With the NFD grant less that half of what is received in the PSL, it was always going to be difficult for the side to keep some of its playing personnel.
A source told the KickOff publication that Patrick Phungwayo, Goodman Dlamini, Tshepo Tema, Samkelo Mbambo, and Makhehleni Makhaula have already been told they can look for other clubs.
The source said: "Some of the players we can't afford their salaries for next season so they will terminate the contracts.
"Patrick Phungwayo, Goodman Dlamini, Tshepo Tema, Samkelo Mbambo and Makhehleni Makhaula... so they will give them their clearances."