Pirates, Downs Strengthen, Do Chiefs Need New Signings?

Soccer Laduma looks into Chiefs’ inactivity during the January transfer window. Photo: Gallo Images

With rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns actively bolstering their squads in the January transfer window, Soccer Laduma assesses the areas Kaizer Chiefs need to strengthen.

Defence

The signing of Thabiso Monyane appears to have strengthened the right-back position and increased competition, with Dillan Solomons impressing — particularly in the CAF Confederation Cup — while Reeve Frosler remains an option.

At centre-back, the expected return of Rushwin Dortley and Given Msimango should boost competition, while Bradley Cross has raised his level at left-back following the arrival of Paseka Mako, with Nkanyiso Shinga yet to make his debut.

Conclusion: Chiefs do not appear to be in need of reinforcements at the back.

Midfield

The Glamour Boys have been chopping and changing central midfield combinations, with Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Thabo Cele combination initially preferred early in the season but Cele had fallen out of favour in the line-up before the AFCON break.

New season signing Siphesihle Ndlovu was expected to add value but he is yet to stamp his authority, which meant Amakhosi continue also to experiment with Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, while George Matlou features sparingly.

Lebohang Maboe finally starting to feature for Chiefs late last year has improved the midfield dynamic, with his industry, particularly to link up with the attack catching the eye, getting into the mix with the likes of Mduduzi Shabalala.

Amakhosi also have Ethan Chislett in midfield, who is yet to debut.

On the wings, the Soweto giants have not impressed so far, with Asanele Velebayi still finding his footing while Mfundo Vilakazi is also yet to light up the season. The likes of Pule Mmodi have also been woeful.

Conclusion: Wing play and central midfield remains areas of concern.

Strikers

The likes of Flavio Silva and Etiosa Ighodaro were only integrated a little later in the season due to injuries while Makabi Lilepo is yet to rediscover the form he showed in his first six months last season.

Competition is still going on, with Khanyisa Mayo also yet to impress while Wandile Duba and Ashley Du Preez have fallen down the pecking order.

Luke Baartman was making cameo appearances in the tail end of 2025

Conclusion: In so far as personnel is concerned, Chiefs appear to be covered in the forward positions but they are in need of a reliable goal-scorer, with Silva the leading striker on four goals. 

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