R60 Million Talent Offer, Goalkeeping Crisis, and Fi Doto Pursuit: What’s Next for Kaizer Chiefs?

Cape Town City’s recent relegation from the DSTV Premiership has triggered a dramatic shift in South African football’s transfer landscape, with a staggering R60 million offer reportedly tabled by Mamelodi Sundowns for four of City’s brightest young stars.

Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs face pressure to address a glaring goalkeeping shortage as they chase ambitious targets like Tanzanian playmaker Faizel Salum.

This article unpacks these developments and what they mean for the upcoming season.

Cape Town City’s relegation after failing to win a single match in the PSL promotion playoffs has forced the club to reconsider its future.

According to reports, they have offered Emil Vitboy, Shaquille April, Jaden Roads, and Jodi Sheen to Mamelodi Sundowns, valuing the quartet at a hefty 60 million rand.

This move signals City’s intent to raise funds by parting with what many regarded as their long-term core, despite the players’ potential and youth.

Among the four, Jaden Roads stands out as the most experienced, boasting 87 senior appearances and nine goals.

Jodi Sheen has made 25 appearances with two goals, while Shaquille April featured 17 times last season.

Emil Vitboy, the youngest at just 16, has already debuted for the senior team five times.

Their involvement with South Africa’s junior national teams underscores their promise: Vitboy plays for the U17s, while April and Sheen recently contributed to Amagita’s U20 FCcon victory.

While a club-to-club agreement between Cape Town City and Sundowns is still in early discussions, personal terms with the players remain to be negotiated.

Should the deal materialize, it would represent a significant investment in youth by Sundowns, known for their ambitious recruitment and development strategy.

Turning to Kaizer Chiefs, the club finds itself in a troubling position regarding goalkeepers.

Former Chiefs winger Junior Kanye has publicly expressed concern over Amakhosi’s lack of signings in this vital position.

Despite using three goalkeepers during the 2024-25 season, Chiefs conceded 32 goals and finished a disappointing ninth on the log with 32 points.

The club has yet to announce a new goalkeeper signing, raising fears of a crisis in this crucial role.

Kanye’s critique highlights the importance of not only securing a top-quality first-choice goalkeeper but also a reliable backup.

He questions head coach Nazarine Nabi’s transfer priorities, noting that while Chiefs have focused on wingbacks—positions Nabi apparently views as problematic—the goalkeeping department seems neglected.

“They don’t have two goalkeepers in a position that’s so important,” Kanye remarked, emphasizing that this oversight could undermine the team’s ambitions for silverware next season.

In parallel, Kaizer Chiefs are intensifying their search for creative and goal-scoring reinforcements.

One of their prime targets is Tanzanian midfielder Faizel Salum, popularly known as Fi Doto, who currently stars for Azam FC in the Tanzanian Premier League.

Chiefs have pursued Salum since last year but have yet to finalize terms with Azam FC.

Recent reports suggest Chiefs are preparing a third offer for Salum as they continue negotiations.

The midfielder is reportedly open to a move to Naturena, especially given his existing relationship with coach Nabi, who previously worked with Salum during his stint at Yanga SC from 2021 to 2023.

This connection is believed to be a key factor in Chiefs’ persistence.

Salum’s credentials are impressive: in the 2023-24 season, he scored 21 goals and contributed four assists, following a previous campaign with over 10 assists.

His creative flair and attacking prowess have made him one of the most sought-after talents on the continent.

Tanzanian giants Simba SC and Young Africans SC, Salum’s former club, are also vying for his signature, intensifying the competition.

Interestingly, Mamelodi Sundowns had also expressed interest in Salum but have since shifted focus elsewhere, potentially clearing the way for Chiefs to secure the Tanzanian star.

However, Azam FC remains hopeful of retaining Salum, meaning Chiefs must improve their offer to persuade the club to sell.

For Chiefs fans, the acquisition of Fi Doto could be transformative.

His ability to create chances and score goals would add a new dimension to the team’s midfield, addressing one of the areas identified for strengthening.

The question remains whether the club can finalize the deal amid stiff competition.

Meanwhile, the unfolding situation with Cape Town City’s young talents and Sundowns’ reported offer adds another layer of intrigue to South African football’s transfer market.

Should Sundowns succeed in signing the quartet, it would bolster their youth ranks substantially and weaken a relegated rival’s future prospects.

In summary, Kaizer Chiefs face a mixed bag of challenges and opportunities.

The goalkeeping dilemma demands urgent attention to avoid undermining the team’s defensive stability.

At the same time, the pursuit of Faizel Salum signals ambition and a desire to enhance creativity and goal threat.

Meanwhile, Sundowns’ aggressive recruitment strategy continues to reshape the league’s balance of power.