Kaizer Chiefs’ Hunt for Goals: New Striker Targets, Defensive Trials, and Nabi’s Future
Kaizer Chiefs are wasting no time as they prepare for the upcoming season, with significant moves underway to strengthen their squad.
Following a mixed campaign that saw them lift the Netbank Cup but struggle in the league, the club is now focused on addressing key weaknesses, particularly in their attack.
With persistent challenges in converting chances, Chiefs are exploring new options to bolster their forward line.
The search for a reliable striker has been a recurring theme for Chiefs, who have experimented with several forwards in recent seasons.
Players like Christian Saile, Ranga Chivaviro, Ashley Du Preez, and midseason addition Tashreeq Morris have all been given opportunities, but none have consistently delivered the goals needed to propel the team forward.
Among them, Chivaviro, who joined from Marumo Gallants in July 2023, has managed just nine goals and one assist, leading to speculation that he may not feature in head coach Nasreddine Nabi’s plans for the next season.
One name that has emerged as a potential solution to Chiefs’ attacking woes is Knox Mutizwa, a 31-year-old Zimbabwean striker and former Golden Arrows star.
Mutizwa, who recently became a free agent after parting ways with Arrows due to a reported disagreement with his coach, boasts an impressive record of 63 goals in 231 appearances for the club.
Club legend Siyabonga Nomvethe has endorsed Mutizwa as a perfect fit for Chiefs, citing his experience, goal-scoring ability, and awareness inside the box as key attributes.
“Mutizwa is a quality striker who knows how to score,” Nomvethe told Kickoff.
“At 31, he should be at the peak of his career, and his experience could greatly benefit Kaizer Chiefs.
Scoring goals is the only way to keep Chiefs supporters happy.”
Nomvethe added that Mutizwa’s clinical finishing and unselfish playstyle make him a valuable asset who could capitalize on even the smallest chances.
While Chiefs explore their options up front, they are also assessing defensive reinforcements.
One player currently on trial at Naturena is former KZN Academy defender Mabuza, who recently returned to South Africa after an impressive stint in Portugal.
The 24-year-old, known for his versatility, can play as a right-back, winger, or midfielder.
During his time with Portuguese fourth-division side Loures, Mabuza provided nine assists and was named the best right-back in the Campeonato de Portugal.
Mabuza’s trial at Chiefs has already garnered attention, with the technical team evaluating his potential to contribute to the squad.
Having trained with the club for two days, Mabuza is expected to continue his assessment in the coming days.
If he impresses, he could become Chiefs’ first offseason signing as they prepare for the 2025/26 campaign.
With his contract at Loures having expired, Mabuza is available on a free transfer, making him a cost-effective option for the club.
Amidst these transfer developments, the spotlight remains on head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who has faced mixed reviews during his tenure.
Despite leading Chiefs to their first major trophy in a decade with the Netbank Cup victory, Nabi has been criticized for the team’s inconsistent league performances.
However, club legend Itumeleng Khune has called for patience and urged Chiefs’ management to give Nabi more time to build on his progress.
“I think he should be given more time,” Khune said in an interview with Soccer Laduma.
“Yes, Chiefs have been inconsistent in the league, but they broke the drought by winning the cup.
It’s a sign of good things to come.”
Khune emphasized the importance of stability, pointing out that changing the coach now would set the team back into another rebuilding phase.
Looking ahead, Chiefs have a busy schedule that includes the MTN8, the Black Label Cup, the CAF Confederation Cup, and domestic league fixtures.
Khune believes that Nabi has already laid a solid foundation and should be trusted to continue driving the team forward.
“If I were Kaizer Chiefs, I would give him more time to be the driver of the train or the bus,” Khune concluded.
For Chiefs, the offseason presents an opportunity to address their shortcomings and build on their recent success.
The potential signings of Mutizwa and Mabuza, coupled with a renewed focus on stability under Nabi, could set the stage for a stronger and more competitive campaign.
However, challenges remain, including navigating the transfer market and ensuring that new additions integrate seamlessly into the squad.
As the 2025/26 season approaches, Chiefs’ fans will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold.
With high expectations and a demanding schedule ahead, the club must strike a balance between ambition and pragmatism.
Whether through new signings, tactical adjustments, or continued faith in their coach, Chiefs are determined to reclaim their status as one of South Africa’s footballing powerhouses.
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