Kaizer Chiefs Striker Exodus and New Signings Drama: Tera Maliwa’s Fiery Response to Fans—‘If You Panic, You Lose!’
Kaizer Chiefs find themselves at a crossroads this season, with a mix of hopeful new signings, a struggling striker possibly on his way out, and a recruitment chief pushing back hard against mounting fan frustration.
The latest buzz centers on Tashri Morris, the 31-year-old striker whose time at Naturena has been anything but smooth.
Morris, who joined Chiefs in January 2025 from the now-defunct SuperSport United, has struggled to make an impact.
In 10 appearances across all competitions, he has yet to score a single goal.
Injuries have also plagued his stint, with a significant setback in March sidelining him for months.
As the 2025/26 season kicks off, Morris has yet to feature, sparking speculation about his future.
Enter Durban City and head coach Gavin Hunt, who reportedly wants to reunite with Morris on loan.
The two worked together at SuperSport United, and Hunt sees Morris as key to bolstering City’s attack.
Although Morris is contracted to Chiefs until June 2027, a loan move could offer him the fresh start he desperately needs.
The question remains: should Chiefs let him go or give him more time to prove himself?
This uncertainty around Morris is just one piece of the puzzle.
On the recruitment front, Kaizer Chiefs have been busy, signing 10 new players this window.
Names like Flavio Silver, Ethan Chislet, Tabani, Asani, Luke Bman, and Leuhang Maboui stand out.
Some, like Munyani, Maku, and Nrovu, have already impressed, while Silver scored on his debut, though his overall performance drew mixed reviews.
Despite these signings, fan skepticism persists.
Many supporters accuse the club of poor recruitment choices in recent seasons, arguing the team lets promising players leave only to watch them thrive elsewhere.
This narrative has intensified this transfer window, with fans openly questioning whether the new arrivals can truly restore Chiefs’ former glory.
Tera Maliwa, the club’s head of scouting and recruitment, has not taken this criticism lightly.
In a candid social media post, Maliwa defended the club’s strategy, emphasizing that their approach is deliberate and far from reactionary.
“Panic signings can be a disaster that cause lasting damage,” he warned, urging fans to “ignore the noise” and trust the process.
Maliwa also highlighted the challenges of modern transfer windows, where pressure mounts to deliver results quickly.
“It’s easy for fans to call for the sporting director and scouts to be sacked because they didn’t make deadline day signings,” he said.
His fiery response underscores the tension between fan expectations and the realities of building a competitive squad.
Adding emotional weight to the season is the return of Leuhang Maboui, a former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder and Chiefs youth product.
Maboui, 32, spent seven trophy-laden years with Sundowns, winning seven league titles and famously scoring a hat-trick to clinch the 2019/20 championship.
After over 15 years away, his homecoming to Chiefs was met with heartfelt celebrations.
Speaking to local media, Maboui expressed his joy and determination.
“It’s such an honor and a privilege to be back at home,” he said.
“I want to win silverware with the team. It’s a good feeling to be welcomed like I was.”
His return symbolizes a blend of experience and passion that Chiefs hope will inspire their squad.
On the pitch, Chiefs have started the season well, with four wins and a draw placing them joint top of the table.
Yet, the divide among fans remains palpable.
Some believe the new signings and management strategy signal a positive direction, while others remain wary, fearing history might repeat itself.
The looming question is whether Chiefs can maintain this momentum and build a cohesive team capable of challenging for titles.
The club’s leadership insists patience and trust in their recruitment plan are vital, but football’s unforgiving nature means results must follow swiftly.
Meanwhile, the potential departure of Morris adds another layer of complexity.
Losing a striker who has yet to find form might seem logical, but it also highlights the risks of recruitment and player management.
Will Morris flourish under Gavin Hunt at Durban City, or will his struggles continue?
Kaizer Chiefs’ saga is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing South African football clubs: balancing fan expectations, managing player careers, and navigating a competitive transfer market.
The stakes are high, and every decision carries weight.
As the transfer window edges closer to its September 22nd deadline, all eyes will be on Naturena.
Will more reinforcements arrive?
Will Morris secure his loan move?
Can the new signings live up to the hype?
And crucially, can Tera Maliwa’s calm confidence in the club’s strategy withstand the fanbase’s scrutiny?
For now, Chiefs fans are left to debate fiercely.
Is this the dawn of a new era for Amakhosi, or just another chapter of hope and heartbreak?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the drama surrounding Kaizer Chiefs is far from over.
