Kaizer Chiefs are on a mission, with three quality signings done and dusted. But who and what is next?
Amakhosi continue to bolster their squad for the 2023/24 season.
First, it was Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, a left-footed centre-back, joining them from SuperSport United.
This season, the Kaizer Chiefs defence has leaked 26 goals in 23 games, and management has addressed that central defence position.
Besides signing the Botswana captain, Kaizer Chiefs have signed another superb defensive acquisition – Given Msimango.
Msimango and Ditlhokwe will provide competition for Edmilson Dove, Siyabonga Ngezana and Zitha Kwinika, who have been the main centre-back pairing for Arthur Zwane.
GOAL SCORING RECORD HAS BEEN POOR
Eric Mathoho, whose contract runs out end of the season, Austin Dube and Njabulo Ngcobo have spent much of the season on the sidelines. Mathoho looks set to leave, and Chiefs are likely to have a new defensive line next season.
The Once Mighty Glamour Boys have also addressed one of their midfield problems, luring Mduduzi Mdantsane from Cape Town City.
The left-footed playmaker brings creativity and goals to Naturena. Having conceded 26 goals, their goal-scoring record has been equally poor. They have hit the target 27 times in 23 games so far. That is 18 goals less than their rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.
Of course, they hope their January 2022 signing, Christian Saile, starts hitting top gear.
The Congolese forward has made three goal contributions in seven outings for his new club. Two of those are goals, and one is an assist.
Because Saile netted 19 goals in helping Zambia’s Nchanga Rangers to promotion last season and had seven in this year’s Super League, Coach Arthur Zwane can expect more goals as he adapts to the local league.
WHO IS NEXT FOR CHIEFS?
However, their biggest headache, which they are reportedly busy addressing, is the central defensive midfield position.
FARPost has established that three names have been linked with Chiefs in that particular position.
Edson Castillo is being given a second look after the club considered him in January.
After a failed January switch to the South African giants, Castillo rejoined Monagas SC in his home country Venezuela. This was after a stint with Caracas FC.
He has played five games for the Venezuela topflight side and has three goals to show from midfield. While he can play as a holding midfielder, he seems better off in a more advanced midfield position, as evidenced by his goal return.
The 28-year-old will have 18 months left on his signed deal in June. Andile Jali’s issues with Mamelodi Sundowns are well documented. With each passing day, it becomes more apparent that there is no place for him at Chloorkop.
It means the almost 33-year-old midfield grafter would be available for free.
However, two issues stand out – the discipline issue and his age. According to FARPost sources, there is a bit of a reluctance to bring him to Naturena because of those two factors.
In fact, Chiefs turned down an offer to sign former Brentford midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo apparently because he is on the wrong side of 30.
CONCERNS ABOUT CDM POSITION
However, highly placed sources have revealed Zwane’s concerns about that position.
Young Samkelo Zwane was given a chance and Siyethemba Sithebe, but the two needed to be more convincing in that position.
The name of Stellenbosch FC midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa has also been bandied about.
‘Ox’, as he is affectionately known, will have a year left on his contract with Stellies at the end of the season.
With creative players in their engine room like Mdantsane and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Chiefs need a midfield destroyer. Mthethwa could be that quintessential defensive midfielder who shields the defence and performs purely defensive duties.
He brings the necessary physicality, tactical awareness and aggression to intimidate and limit the fanciest of attacking midfielders.
KHAMA BILLIAT REPLACEMENT
Cape Town Spurs forward Ashley Cupido is another player on Chiefs’ radar as they look to bolster their attack.
Khama Billiat, out of contract in June, is on his way out, having sat out the greater part of the season.
Cupido is seen as a potential replacement. The national Under 23 team attacker has been sensational in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. He has scored 14 goals in 24 outings.
However, his management indicates that at 21, he could cut it overseas. They are exploring to see if he can leave the shores of South Africa.
Even still, should they settle for a local club, they won’t be hasty in having their player tied down to a contract because they have a few options.
Orlando Pirates and a few other DStv Premiership clubs are also interested in his services.
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