Kaizer Chiefs’ Transfer Frenzy: “Done Deals, Shock Exits, and the Van Duivenbooden Mystery – Because Why Keep It Simple?”

As the 2025/26 football season approaches, Kaizer Chiefs are in the midst of a major squad overhaul that’s turning heads across South African football.

The club has already completed a staggering 18 transfer moves, including six new signings, the promotion of four promising Development and Discovery Centre (DDC) players, and the release of eight squad members.

Yet, despite this frenetic activity, insiders confirm the reshaping is far from over.

Among the latest news, goalkeeper Fiakari and midfielder Eden Castillo are reportedly on the verge of exiting Naturena.

According to reliable sources, they do not feature in head coach Nazin Nabi’s plans.

Castillo’s departure appears imminent as the club looks to free up space for new foreign recruits, signaling a clear intent to bolster attacking options.

Interestingly, some previously targeted players have been quietly dropped from the wishlist.

Notably, Perau Fisten and Zak Lipasa are no longer under consideration.

Instead, renewed interest has surfaced in two striking talents: Zenan Zmo and Ediosa Ibodaro.

Coach Nabi, when pressed about Zmo, was cautious but open, suggesting that if the opportunity arises—especially if the player holds residency—it could be pursued.

Meanwhile, Ibodaro, who is set to leave Mamoi Sundowns, finds himself training alone as he weighs his next career move.

Chiefs remain keen on securing his services, adding another layer of intrigue to the transfer saga.

The club is also close to sealing deals for Asanel Vibayi and Luke Bartman, both from PSL rivals.

Both players have reportedly agreed on personal terms, but legal disputes currently cloud their transfers.

Once these hurdles are cleared, their arrivals could provide a significant boost to Chiefs’ ambitions.

Adding to the excitement is the story of Simon van Duivenbooden, a 23-year-old Dutch-South African striker recently signed by Cape Town City from Vitz.

Previously linked with Kaizer Chiefs, van Duivenbooden is eligible for the South African national team and could soon catch the eye of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Bruce.

His move to Cape Town City raises questions about whether Chiefs missed out on a potential gem.

Perhaps the biggest shock came from Fawaz Basadien, a new signing for Sundowns, who publicly dismissed rumors linking him to Kaizer Chiefs.

During an interview with Robert Marawa on Marawa Sports Worldwide, Basadien revealed he was never close to joining the Amakhosi despite extensive speculation.

“There was obviously a lot of interest and talks,” Basadien admitted, “but my main focus and decision was to join Sundowns.”

The 27-year-old left back’s transfer saga was anything but straightforward.

At one point, the deal appeared doomed to collapse, causing considerable stress and uncertainty.

Basadien recounted how, while at Stellenbosch, Sundowns approached their CEO again, reigniting hope for a move.

Yet, moments later, the club seemed to waver, leaving him “a bit up and down” emotionally.

Fortunately for him, the transfer eventually went through, and he is now officially a Sundowns player.

As Basadien prepares to prove himself in one of Africa’s most competitive squads, fans are left debating whether he made the right choice.

Would he have had a bigger impact at Kaizer Chiefs or even Orlando Pirates?

And where does he rank among the PSL’s elite left backs?

These questions remain hotly debated in fan forums.

In other news, Sundowns are also set to bring in former Orlando Pirates winger Mark Mayambela to their youth academy.

The 37-year-old, who recently left Cape Town City, has already been spotted at under-15 matches and holds a UEFA A coaching license.

Mayambela’s track record of success with Cape Town’s youth teams—winning multiple trophies—makes him a highly regarded figure in youth development circles.

Sundowns appear determined to tap into Mayambela’s coaching prowess as they continue building a strong foundation for future success.

Chiefs fans and neutrals alike are watching closely to see if this move will pay dividends in the years ahead.

Back to Kaizer Chiefs, the club’s transfer activity reflects a clear strategy: blend experienced signings with youth promotions while offloading players who don’t fit the coach’s vision.

The departure of Castillo and Fiakari, the pursuit of new attacking options, and the near-completed deals for Vibayi and Bartman all point to a club eager to reclaim glory.

However, the saga surrounding Simon van Duivenbooden and Basadien’s denial underscores the complexity of modern transfer dealings.

Rumors swirl, deals almost happen, only for reality to veer in unexpected directions.

For Chiefs, the challenge will be to finalize their squad quickly and focus on performance rather than distractions.

As the season opener draws near, fans are left with plenty to discuss: Did Chiefs miss a trick by not landing van Duivenbooden?

Will the new signings gel under coach Nabi’s guidance?

And can the club finally break free from the shadows of past disappointments?

One thing is certain: Kaizer Chiefs’ transfer window has been anything but dull.

With shock denials, legal wrangles, and last-minute deals, the drama off the pitch is as intense as the battles on it.

As always with Amakhosi, expect the unexpected.

So, Chiefs supporters, buckle up.

The 2025/26 season promises to be a rollercoaster ride—both on and off the field.

And remember, in football as in life, “Because why keep it simple when you can make it complicated?”