Kaizer Chiefs’ R35 Million Shake-Up: New Signings, Loan Moves, and the Pirates Star on the Brink — ‘Because why settle for ordinary when you can stir the pot?’
Kaizer Chiefs are once again making headlines with a flurry of transfer activity and squad management decisions that reveal a club determined to reclaim its dominance in South African football.
The Sueta Giants are actively preparing for the 2025-26 Betway Premiership season by sending three players—left back Mashian Skewan, midfielder Zwan, and Rwanda international Fiaken Dwari—out on season-long loans to secure vital playing time.
Mashian and Zwan, both graduates of Chiefs’ academy, struggled for minutes last season under coach Nazarin Nabi, with Mashian’s campaign further hampered by injury.
Limited to nine appearances and two assists, Mashian’s recovery and form will be key if he is to make an impact elsewhere.
Newly promoted Durban City FC have expressed interest in the left back, hoping to bolster their defense as they fight to avoid relegation.
Zwan, meanwhile, featured in 13 matches last season and contributed one assist but has yet to cement a regular starting role.
Betway Premiership clubs like TS Galaxy and Amazulu FC are monitoring his situation closely, reflecting the growing market for Chiefs’ academy talents.
Fiaken Dwari, signed in July 2024, has slipped down the pecking order behind goalkeepers Brandon Peterson and Bruce Vulmer, making a loan move the logical next step in his development.
These loan moves are not just about squad management but also about ensuring these players gain the experience needed to compete at the highest level.
Chiefs’ sporting director Kaiser Mutawung Jr. confirmed the club’s deliberate strategy to secure the best young talent, complementing recent acquisitions such as Asanel Vibayi, Luke Bartman, and Nigerian forward Iodaro.
Mutawung Jr. emphasized the club’s vision: “It’s all about the specific players we need for how we want to play.
We had a clear strategy to get the best young talent.
We are very pleased to welcome them.
Obviously, there are still a few administrative issues, but we are excited—especially bringing Ibodaro up front with the young talent of Bartman and Veli.
We can’t wait to unleash them to the fans.”
Chiefs have made a perfect start to the 2025-26 season, winning their opening three matches without conceding a goal, sitting second on the league table.
This defensive solidity has been a hallmark of the team’s early campaign and a testament to the coaching staff’s work, including assistant coach Khalil Ben Yusf.
Ben Yusf expressed confidence in the squad’s progress while acknowledging room for growth: “We have our targets inside between the players and the technical team.
It is written in our meeting room and you can ask about it.
We know what we have to do and we keep it between ourselves.
For us, we take it game by game.
We don’t think about anything else and we don’t have any pressure.”
He continued, “Kaizer Chiefs is one of the biggest teams in South Africa.
If we play in the league, we play to win the league.
It is very important for the technical team and players to have confidence.
I think there are still a lot of things to do, but until now, let me say we are 60 to 70%.
We are happy about the performance.
There are a lot of things to continue and with new players, they will give us more solutions to help the team.”
While Chiefs focus on their own ambitions, the South African football landscape is also shaken by reports from Orlando Pirates.
The Buccaneers have reportedly received a bid north of R35 million (approximately $2 million) from Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United for their star winger Mofokeng, who has been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Europe.
Mofokeng, 20, has rapidly established himself as one of the PSL’s brightest prospects, finishing last season as Pirates’ top scorer with 12 goals and 15 assists, earning a second consecutive PSL Young Player of the Year award.
The potential transfer would see him join fellow South African Bongu in MLS, forming a promising duo overseas.
Pirates face a tough decision: cash in on a lucrative offer or retain their talisman for a crucial domestic campaign featuring a midweek PSL clash against Stellenbosch and a high-stakes MTN8 semi-final second leg against the mighty Mamelodi Sundowns.
Fans and pundits alike are divided.
Should Pirates accept the bid and reinvest in the squad, or risk losing momentum by selling a key player mid-season?
Back at Kaizer Chiefs, the mood is optimistic but measured.
The club’s blend of youth and experience is beginning to gel, with new signings like Bartman and Iodaro expected to provide attacking firepower alongside established stars.
The upcoming clash against reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium will be a major test of Chiefs’ credentials and a barometer for their title aspirations.
Chiefs’ strategy of mixing academy graduates with carefully selected signings, combined with tactical discipline and a rock-solid defense, has created a buzz among supporters.
However, as assistant coach Ben Yusf cautions, “There are still things to add in offensive formation to create more scoring opportunities.
The difference between this season and last season is significant, and that is the most important thing for us.”
As the 2025-26 season unfolds, both Chiefs and Pirates find themselves at pivotal crossroads.
Chiefs are riding a wave of momentum, banking on youth and tactical cohesion, while Pirates grapple with the prospect of losing a star player amid their own title ambitions.
For South African football fans, the drama, excitement, and stakes have never been higher.
Will Chiefs’ investments and squad management pay off with trophies?
Will Pirates’ decision on Mofokeng shape their destiny?
One thing is certain: the beautiful game in this country remains as thrilling and unpredictable as ever.
So, Chiefs supporters, the question remains—can Amakosi keep this pace and go all the way?
And Pirates fans, what’s your call on Mofokeng?
The season promises to deliver answers, but only time will tell if these bold moves lead to glory or heartbreak.
