Kaizer Chiefs’ Bold Moves: Saying Goodbye to a Rising Star and Eyeing a Kenyan Goal-Scoring Legend
Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed the exit of midfielder Sati as part of coach Nazarin Nabi’s efforts to reshape the squad for the upcoming season.
Sati, who played a pivotal role in Amakosi’s reserve league success, will not be part of the senior team moving forward.
The club issued a heartfelt statement praising his dedication, discipline, and passion from his early days in the youth system to his final moments wearing the Chiefs badge.
The decision to part ways with Sati highlights the club’s evolving approach to youth development and squad management, as Nabi seeks to build a team capable of competing at the highest level after a disappointing ninth-place finish in the 2024-25 Premier Soccer League campaign.
In a clear sign of ambition, Chiefs’ head coach Nazarin Nabi and chief scout Terram Maliawa were recently seen attending a Tanzanian Premier League match between Simba SC and Singida Black Stars at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam.
Their presence sparked widespread speculation about the club’s transfer plans, particularly regarding Simba SC’s striker Dennis Gibu.
Although Gibu did not start in the narrow 1-0 win secured by Simba, insiders reveal that Chiefs’ technical team was on a focused scouting mission to assess his capabilities and other potential recruits in a live competitive setting.
Nabi is reportedly eager to inject more speed and creativity into Chiefs’ attack, and Gibu’s energetic playing style has impressed during previous evaluations.
This scouting trip underscores Chiefs’ proactive and forward-thinking approach to rebuilding.
The club is clearly intent on strengthening its squad with fresh talent to reclaim its dominance in South African football.
Perhaps the most exciting prospect on Chiefs’ radar is Kenyan international Michael Olunga.
The prolific striker recently parted ways with his Qatari club Al-Duhail, where he enjoyed a glittering four-and-a-half-year spell.
Olunga leaves as the club’s all-time top scorer with an impressive 130 goals across all competitions, having won the Qatar Stars League title and three domestic cups.
Olunga’s individual accolades include twice winning the league’s golden boot in 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, with his standout campaign netting 36 goals in 39 appearances, leading Al-Duhail to a league and cup double.
Although his form dipped slightly last season with 15 goals and four assists in 24 games, Olunga remains highly respected across Africa and the Gulf region.
His availability on a free transfer presents a rare opportunity for Chiefs, who have struggled with goal-scoring in recent seasons.
The club’s inability to find a reliable striker was a key factor in their poor league performance, and securing a proven goal scorer like Olunga could be transformative.
However, financial considerations present a significant challenge.
Olunga reportedly earned around $1.9 million annually in Qatar, a salary far exceeding Chiefs’ typical wage structure.
While the absence of a transfer fee reduces upfront costs, convincing Olunga to leave the lucrative Gulf leagues for South Africa remains uncertain.
Olunga has been on Chiefs’ radar since last year, with Bafana Bafana legend Benny McCarthy reportedly an admirer of the striker’s talent.
The timing now appears more favorable for Chiefs to make a concrete move, potentially marking a turning point in their rebuilding project.
If Chiefs can successfully sign Olunga, it would send a strong message of intent and provide the club with a marquee striker capable of ending their goal drought and driving a resurgence in the league.
Meanwhile, the club’s scouting excursions and player departures like that of Sati reflect a commitment to both immediate improvement and long-term strategic planning under coach Nabi’s leadership.
The coming months will be critical as Chiefs finalize their recruitment and prepare for the new season.
Fans eagerly await news on whether Olunga will don the golden and black jersey, and how the club’s evolving squad will perform.
Kaizer Chiefs’ recent moves—parting ways with a promising midfielder and pursuing a star striker—highlight a club at a crossroads, balancing youth development with the urgency to compete at the highest level.
The potential arrival of Michael Olunga could be a game-changer, injecting much-needed firepower and experience into the team.
As Chiefs look to rebuild and reclaim their status, all eyes will be on Naturena to see if these bold decisions pay off in the seasons ahead.
