Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper William Shongwe believes that the club only need to address one position in the transfer market.
Shongwe, who guarded goals for Amakhosi during his playing days, believes the DStv Premiership giants have done some excellent business in the transfer market.
Chiefs fortified their defence with the signing of Given Msimango and Thatayaone Ditlhlokwe.
Msimango captained TS Galaxy, while Ditlhokwe has been Botswana’s captain since age 21.
They brought in Edson Castillo, Mduduzi Mdantsane, Pule Mmodi and Tebogo Potsane in midfield.
Two strikers – Ranga Chivaviro and Jasond González – complete their signings for the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season.
DEFENCE WAS NEVER STABLE
“Chiefs were never stable in defence as much as they signed Dove and Kwinika last season,” he told FARPost.
“Those were always found wanting. [Siyabonga] Ngezana didn’t help. He added to that mix of the weakness in defence.”
“People must understand that doesn’t necessarily mean the player is bad. But certain combinations and group tactics don’t suit him. There were those challenges.”
He is convinced Msimango and Ditlhokwe are leaders and predicts Chiefs’ defence will be more robust with them.
“Those two signings [Ditlhokwe and Msimango], in particular [have done well]. I’m [also] very impressed by Castillo.”
Shongwe also tipped Chivaviro “to be a star” upfront. “He’s not the greatest of players, not so skilful. But he is the original number nine.”
However, he singles out one position as a problem in the current squad.
WHICH POSITION DO CHIEFS NEED TO ADDRESS?
“The only one part, the only position that maybe… It’s hard because [Sifiso] Hlanti is one of my friends. We chat.
“I’m not too sure about his ability to go forward. He is heading to that time of his game, where he’s mellowing down,” he explained.
Hlanti was handed a one-year deal that ends in June 2024. The club would not give him a long-term contract as they ponder his future.
“I think in the coming season, Chiefs must start looking for a left fullback. The energised one that will overlap and be able to return,” added Shongwe.
“Hlanti does go forward, but I think he gets found out when he has to recover. For now, he also uses his experience and also on set pieces and aerial presence.
“The day he’s going to find a youngster with speed, I’m not too sure he will survive. I’m worried about Hlanti…”
Shongwe went on to describe the kind of full-back the team needs.
“You want a left full-back that will not be afraid of going up because he’s afraid of pacy wingers. So I think that’s the one position, for next season in particular, Chiefs must start building up.”
It remains to be seen whether Chiefs will sign a new left-back before the end of the transfer window. The South African transfer window closes on the 22nd of September.
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