Kaizer Chiefs have a big week ahead of them with four significant things that could happen at Naturena.
Amakhosi have had arguably the best transfer window in the last decade. The transfer window is open until Friday, and there could still be some activity at number 6, Lena Road.
They have already brought in Edson Castillo, Given Msimango, Mduduzi Mdantsane, Pule Mmodi, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Jasond González, Ranga Chivaviro and Tebogo Potsane.
But confirmation that they put in an ambitious bid for Sibongiseni Mthethwa shows they are not yet done.
Here are four significant things that could happen at Naturena this week.
SIBONGISENI MTHETHWA PURSUIT
Certainly not an easy one. But Chiefs are hard on the heels of Stellenbosch FC for the services of their talismanic vice-captain.
Stellies CEO Rob Benadie confirmed they had received an offer for the former Black Leopards midfielder.
Logic says ‘Ox’ would be keen to switch to Naturena. The 28-year-old has been knocking on the national team’s door for a while. The AFCON is just around the corner, and he knows his chances of making it to AFCON as a Stellies player are close to minimal. Chiefs would give him a better shot at a place in the travelling party to the Ivory Coast next January.
At 28, he is at the peak of his career, and this seems the best time to move to a big team.
However, it remains to be seen whether the Winelands outfit would be open to losing one of their most prized possessions. Chiefs will know this week if they are landing the gritty midfielder.
DONAY JANSEN KNOCKING HARD ON THE FIRST TEAM DOOR
The 20-year-old winger was on target again in the DStv Diski Challenge over the weekend. He scored in the 5-1 demolition of AmaZulu FC.
Last week, he also scored in the Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates. The youngster notched 12 goals last season and is already on two goals.
He has been training with the first team, with indications that he is earmarked to replace Kamohelo Mahlatsi. Chiefs on Monday announced the departure of Mahlatsi.
The former Moroka Swallows midfielder is set to leave the club before the end of the transfer window on Friday.
Predominantly a right winger, Jansen looks ready to step up to the senior team.
He will learn from Bafana Bafana winger Mmodi, already on three goals and Potsane, provider of two.
CHIEFS COULD STILL SIGN ANOTHER DEFENDER
The Soweto giants could yet add another player besides Ox. Their transfer business for this season has covered the central defence position, midfield, wings, and centre forward. It plugged the holes in all departments.
Chiefs are now looking at options at left centre-back. Ditlhokwe and Edmilson Dove are options for Ntseki in that position.
However, adding a new left-centre back would free Dove to focus on the left-back role, where Sifiso Hlanti is the only natural. Happy Mashiane is stronger offensively, while right-footed Reeve Frosler can play there, although his natural position is on the right side of defence.
It would be interesting to see if they can successfully get a backup for the Botswana national team captain, Ditlhokwe. Luke Fleurs is an option Chiefs are looking at for that position. SuperSport United has since released him.
INTENSIFIED SEARCH FOR HEAD OF TECHNICAL
Before ascending to the head coach position, Molefi Ntseki served as the club’s Head of the Technical and Youth Development Academy.
The position was left vacant since Ntseki took over the senior team’s hot seat from Arthur Zwane. The club has reportedly been searching for someone who has worked at all levels of football, from school level, youth structures and senior team.
Their responsibility includes advising on all technical operations and developing the strategy for the senior team, the Academy and the reserves. They must also maintain the link between the academy and the first team to ensure they align with the Chiefs values, ethos, and traditions.
The club is searching for the right person within South Africa’s borders and beyond. Understandably, the man for that job will be the custodian of the club’s rich culture and will be expected to preserve the club’s football philosophy to ensure the transition from youth to the senior level is seamless.
The candidate must also be a firm believer in modern football trends, providing insights into what is happening internationally to ensure that the club is not left behind as football keeps evolving and becoming more scientific.
Besides that, the Head of Technical would have to upskill, mentor, and train the club’s coaches. Several names – locally and internationally – have been linked to the job.
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