Kaizer Chiefs Shake Up Squad: Tebogo Bzane’s Potential Exit and Striker Flavio Silva’s Rocky Start

Kaizer Chiefs are entering the 2025/26 season with clear intentions to reshape their squad and strengthen their prospects.

One of the most talked-about stories involves winger Tebogo Bzane, a player who arrived at Naturena in 2023 on a three-year contract but has struggled to secure a consistent starting role.

At 31 years old, Bzane finds himself out of favor, and insiders reveal that Suelle FC, a newly established club that recently acquired the PSL status of SuperSport United, is keen on signing him.

Suelle FC, currently training in Johannesburg, believes Bzane’s experience and depth could be valuable assets as they build their team.

Sources close to the situation indicate that Suelle has already made formal inquiries, signaling serious intent.

For Kaizer Chiefs, who have just one year left on Bzane’s contract, this could be a strategic opportunity to offload a player who no longer fits their long-term plans.

For Bzane, the move offers a fresh start and a chance to revitalize his career within an emerging project.

This potential transfer sparks a debate among Chiefs supporters: is letting go of Bzane the right move? Some argue that his experience could still benefit the squad, while others believe it’s time to move on and focus on younger talent.

The decision will likely reflect the club’s broader strategy as they aim to balance experience with youth.

Meanwhile, the spotlight also falls on Kaizer Chiefs’ new striker, Flavio Silva, who has struggled to impress during the club’s ongoing preseason tour in the Netherlands.

Silva, 29, was brought in to fill the gap left by Ranga Chivaviro, who managed just nine goals in 45 appearances before his release.

Despite featuring in friendlies against teams like Vitesse FC, Uldra, and N.C. Megan, Silva has yet to show the spark that fans hoped for.

Supporters had high expectations that he would inject much-needed energy into Chiefs’ attack, but early performances have raised questions rather than answers.

Adding to the attacking woes, other forwards such as Christian Sel and Tesri Morris have also failed to make a lasting impression, with Sel recently offloaded to the now-defunct SuperSport United.

This leaves Chiefs in a precarious position as they seek a reliable goal scorer to lead the line.

However, former Chiefs striker Daniel Matau urges calm and patience.

Matau emphasizes that preseason is a period for players to adapt to new systems and build chemistry, not a definitive measure of form.

He notes that Silva is still working on his fitness and understanding of his teammates’ playing styles, which explains some of the early struggles.

Matau highlights Silva’s positive attributes, including his movement and pressing ability, and insists it’s too soon to judge his overall impact.

He points out that the preseason still has a month left for players to fine-tune their performances and that the club’s recruitment team wouldn’t have signed Silva without confidence in his abilities.

The former striker also stresses that a focus solely on winning preseason friendlies can lead to negativity.

Even if Chiefs were to lose all their warm-up matches, it wouldn’t necessarily predict their league performance.

The main goal is to develop the striker the team needs, and Matau believes the coaching staff is using the preseason for exactly that purpose.

Physically, some players are still recovering from offseason stiffness, which is normal for any athlete.

Chiefs fans are encouraged to remain optimistic as the team prepares for the challenges ahead.

In coaching news, Romaine Folz, former assistant coach at Moroka Swallows, is reportedly close to being appointed head coach of Tanzanian powerhouse Young Africans SC.

Folz, 35, is set to return to CAF Champions League football through this high-profile role after Young Africans achieved a domestic treble in the 2024/25 season.

Reports suggest that Young Africans’ president, Hersi Ali, was influenced by a recommendation from FIFA’s chief of global football development, Arsène Wenger, during their meeting at the recent FIFA Club World Cup.

Folz is expected to arrive in Tanzania soon to replace Miloud Hamdi, who recently joined Egypt’s Ismaily.

Folz’s coaching journey has been diverse, including stints at Olympic Akbou in Algeria, where he helped the club avoid relegation, as well as roles at Township Rollers, Marumo Gallants, Amazulu, and Hapoel AC.

His move to Young Africans represents an exciting new chapter and highlights his rising profile in African football management.

For Kaizer Chiefs supporters, the combination of a potential squad shakeup, the pressure on new signings, and the movement of familiar coaching figures in the region adds layers of intrigue to the upcoming season.

Questions remain about how the team will address attacking deficiencies and whether new strategies will translate into success.

Ultimately, the club’s decisions on player transfers and development will be critical.

Whether Tebogo Bzane’s departure marks a fresh start or a missed opportunity, and whether Flavio Silva can overcome his shaky start, will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

As the preseason progresses, Chiefs will need to balance patience with performance, ensuring they build a squad capable of competing at the highest level in the PSL.

The arrival of new talent, strategic departures, and evolving coaching dynamics all contribute to a season full of promise and uncertainty.

Kaizer Chiefs fans are encouraged to stay engaged, share their opinions, and support the team through this transitional phase.

The coming months will reveal whether these bold moves lead to a resurgence or further challenges for one of South Africa’s most storied football clubs.