The South African football landscape is buzzing with excitement as Kaizer Chiefs continue to reshape their squad ahead of the new season.
With several new signings already announced and potential transfers on the horizon, the club is poised for a fresh chapter under the guidance of coach Nazi Nabi.
Recent comments from former Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and ex-coach Farooq Khan provide valuable insights into the club’s recruitment strategy, highlighting the promise and challenges facing the team.
Before diving into the Chiefs’ developments, it’s worth noting the recent transfer of South African defender Rushine Daruk to Tanzanian giants Simba SC.
Daruk, a 29-year-old center back, parted ways with Mamelodi Sundowns by mutual agreement after a six-month loan spell in Israel with Maccabi Petah Tikva.
His signing with Simba SC on a one-year contract, with an option to extend, marks a new chapter in his career.
Daruk’s arrival is seen as a major boost for Simba SC as they prepare for their return to the CAF Champions League this season.
Known for his composure, strength in defense, and leadership qualities, Daruk reunites with head coach Floris Davids, under whom he thrived at Maritzburg United.
His Premier Soccer League Defender of the Season award in 2020-21 underscores his quality and experience.
Kaizer Chiefs have been active in the transfer market, bringing in six new players to strengthen their squad.
Among the notable arrivals are Bas and Tabisan, both signed from rivals Orlando Pirates, as well as Ethan Chislett from England, Gi Shinga from Portugal, and striker Flavio Silva, who impressed in Indonesia.
Speaking to SABC1, Itumeleng Khune expressed optimism about the new recruits.
He praised Bas and Tabisan for bringing a winning mentality honed at Orlando Pirates, which he believes will be invaluable at Naturena.
Khune also highlighted the potential of Chislett and Shinga, emphasizing their ability to contribute positively to the team’s dynamics.
However, Khune urged fans to be patient with striker Flavio Silva, who is still adapting to South African football.
“We only just debate him in the first games, but we’ve seen him play, and he’s definitely going to show us what he can bring,” Khune said.
Chiefs have struggled to find the back of the net in pre-season friendlies, scoring just three goals in six matches, which has increased pressure on the attacking line.
Khune’s message is clear: give Silva time to settle and prove his worth.
Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Farooq Khan has weighed in on potential signings that could bolster the squad further.
He has urged the club to consider snapping up free agent Zenan Zajmovic, a Bosnian striker who recently left TS Galaxy after a strong 2024-25 campaign.
Zajmovic scored seven goals in 25 league appearances and finished the season with 11 goals across all competitions.
Khan described Zajmovic as a perfect fit for Nazi Nabi’s system, praising his technical ability, physical presence, and goal-scoring instincts.
“He showed a lot of goal-scoring prowess. He is good in the air, which is very essential,” Khan said.
He added that Zajmovic’s good footwork and decision-making make him a valuable asset.
Khan’s recommendation comes at a time when Chiefs are looking to strengthen their attack and rebuild under new management.
Adding a player like Zajmovic could provide the team with much-needed depth and versatility in the forward line.
In addition to Zajmovic, Khan also believes Kaizer Chiefs should give Zakhele Lepasa another opportunity.
Lepasa recently left Orlando Pirates after struggling with injuries over the past two seasons.
Despite his setbacks, Khan is confident that Lepasa still has what it takes to contribute meaningfully to the Chiefs squad.
“It all depends on the type of game plan that Nazi Nabi has,” Khan explained.
He noted that Lepasa’s style as a “false nine” — a forward who drops deeper to create play rather than just finishing — could fit well depending on the tactical setup.
Khan pointed out that while Lepasa’s goal and assist numbers were modest, his quality was recognized by national team coach Hugo Broos, who included him in the Bafana Bafana setup.
Khan acknowledged Lepasa’s injury history but sees signing him on a free transfer as a worthwhile gamble.
His impact will depend on his match fitness and ability to integrate with the team, but the potential upside is significant.
Khan also emphasized the importance of managing the squad effectively to avoid overcrowding the strike force.
He suggested that signing both Zajmovic and Lepasa would require careful balancing, including loaning out or trimming other players to ensure everyone gets adequate playing time.
“You cannot have a heavy strike force. That will give one player enough time to come in if need be,” Khan said.
He stressed the need to support younger players like Tashreeq Morris by giving them opportunities to develop rather than being overshadowed by an excess of forwards.
This strategic approach to squad management is crucial for maintaining harmony and fostering competition within the team, ultimately benefiting the club’s performance.
The new signings and potential transfers have sparked excitement among Kaizer Chiefs fans, who are eager to see how the revamped squad performs in the upcoming season.
The club’s recent struggles in pre-season friendlies, particularly in scoring goals, have raised concerns, but Khune’s call for patience reflects a realistic understanding of the challenges involved in integrating new players.
The addition of experienced defenders like Rushine Daruk to other African clubs also highlights the competitive environment in which Chiefs operate, underscoring the need for continuous improvement.
Kaizer Chiefs’ proactive approach to rebuilding their squad demonstrates a clear intent to compete at the highest level in South African football.
With a blend of experienced players and promising talents, coupled with strategic signings like Zajmovic and Lepasa, the team is positioning itself for a strong campaign.
The insights from Itumeleng Khune and Farooq Khan provide valuable perspectives on the club’s direction, emphasizing patience, strategic planning, and the importance of fitting players into a cohesive system.
As the new season approaches, Chiefs fans have much to look forward to.
The success of the new signings and the integration of potential recruits will be key factors in determining whether the club can reclaim its status as a powerhouse in the Premier Soccer League.
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