Kaizer Chiefs’ Transfer Drama Unfolds: De Reuck Arrives, Khune’s Bold Defense, and The Zajmovic-Lepasa Gamble – “Because Why Not Shake Things Up When You’re Already Shaking?”

Kaizer Chiefs fans are buzzing as the club officially announces the signing of defender Rushine Daruk, alongside a flurry of other new players aimed at revitalizing the squad ahead of the new season.

The excitement is palpable, but so too is the pressure to deliver immediate results.

Daruk, a 29-year-old center back, joins from Mamelodi Sundowns after a stint on loan in Israel.

His arrival at Tanzanian giants Simba SC was recently confirmed, marking a fresh chapter in his career.

Known for his composure, physicality, and leadership, Daruk is expected to bring much-needed experience and stability to Chiefs’ backline.

Notably, he reunites with head coach Flo Davids, under whom he flourished during their time together at Maritzburg United.

Their successful partnership saw Daruk earn the Premier Soccer League Defender of the Season award in 2020-21, highlighting his quality.

But Daruk isn’t the only new face at Naturena.

The Chiefs have been busy, signing six players so far.

Among them are Bas and Tabisan, both arriving from fierce rivals Orlando Pirates, as well as Ethan Chislett from England, Gi Shinga from Portugal, and striker Flavio Silva, who impressed in Indonesia.

The influx of talent signals a clear intent to shake things up and address key weaknesses, especially in attack.

Veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune recently spoke out in support of the new signings during an interview on SABC1.

Khune praised the winning mentality that Bas and Tabisan bring from their time at Pirates, and expressed optimism about the potential of Chislett and Shinga.

However, he urged fans to be patient with Silva, who has yet to find his footing in pre-season matches.

“When you talk about Bas and Tabisan, they bring a winning mentality from Orlando Pirates,” Khune said.

“I was quite impressed with Shinga and Chislett, and of course, we need to give Silva a fair chance.

We’ve only just seen him in the first games, but he’s definitely going to show us what he can bring to South African football.”

This call for patience comes amid mounting frustration.

Chiefs have managed just three goals in six pre-season friendlies, raising serious concerns about their attacking efficiency.

Fans and pundits alike are watching closely to see if the new recruits can turn things around.

Adding fuel to the transfer drama, former Kaizer Chiefs coach Farooq Khan has publicly urged the club to snap up free agent striker Zenan Zajmovic.

The Bosnian forward, who played a pivotal role in TS Galaxy’s impressive 2024-25 campaign, is seen as a perfect fit for Chiefs’ new tactical setup under coach Nazi Nabi.

Zajmovic scored seven league goals and finished with 11 across all competitions last season but was surprisingly released by Galaxy.

Khan believes his technical skills, aerial prowess, and goal-scoring instinct would make him a valuable asset for the Amakhosi.

“He showed a lot of goal-scoring prowess. He is good in the air, which is very essential,” Khan said on Soccer Beat.

“He is good with his feet as well and makes good decisions. If they can get him soon and integrate him quickly, it would be a big boost.”

Khan also highlighted the importance of managing the strike force carefully to avoid overcrowding and stifling player development.

He suggested trimming the squad by loaning out or releasing fringe players to give promising talents like Zajmovic and existing forwards more opportunities.

In addition to Zajmovic, Khan advocated giving Zakhele Lepasa a second chance at Chiefs.

Lepasa, who recently left Orlando Pirates after battling injuries, is still viewed as a talented forward capable of contributing if match fit.

“Lepasa is more of a false nine, coming deep to make plays,” Khan explained.

“He’s had setbacks with injuries but has shown quality, which is why he was called up for Bafana Bafana.

If he’s available on a free transfer, he’s a good gamble.”

The former coach also pointed out that Lepasa’s success would depend heavily on Nabi’s tactical approach—whether the team employs wingers or relies on overlapping fullbacks to supply crosses.

While Chiefs’ front line remains a work in progress, these potential signings highlight the club’s willingness to take risks and experiment.

Whether these gambles pay off is yet to be seen, but one thing is certain: Chiefs’ transfer saga is far from over.

As the new season looms, fans remain hopeful but cautious.

The blend of experienced signings like Daruk, promising talents like Silva, and potential additions such as Zajmovic and Lepasa could either spark a resurgence or deepen existing woes.

Itumeleng Khune’s plea for patience is a reminder that football success rarely comes overnight.

Yet, with the spotlight firmly on the squad’s attacking struggles, the pressure to deliver is mounting.

Will Kaizer Chiefs’ new recruits rise to the occasion and restore the club’s glory days?

Or will the drama continue to unfold, leaving supporters frustrated and yearning for answers?

Only time will tell.

But one thing’s for sure: the transfer window has given Amakhosi fans plenty to talk about—and plenty to hope for.