Kaizer Chiefs’ sporting director, Kaizer Motaung Jr, addressed a flurry of transfer rumours surrounding five players.
He provided clarity on the situations of Oswin Appollis, Itumeleng Khune, Riaan Hanamub, Sibongiseni ‘Ox’ Mthethwa and Fawaaz Basadien.
OSWIN APPOLLIS: ONGOING DISCUSSIONS
Speaking to Robert Marawa on 947, Motaung Jr confirmed the club’s continued interest in Polokwane City FC’s Oswin Appollis.
The talented winger is top of Chiefs’ wanted list with just eight days before the transfer window closes. “We’ve said it before that we would love to have him,” he stated, revealing that talks with Polokwane City’s chairman are ongoing. “We’ve had talks with the chairman of Polokwane City. Not just about Oswin, but other players and I think it’s a process that’s ongoing.”
The 23-year-old, scorer of seven goals last season, has been in sparkling form for Bafana Bafana in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers. He struck twice as Bafana beat South Sudan away from home.
ITUMELENG KHUNE: A NEW CHAPTER
Addressing the speculation around Itumeleng Khune’s future, Kaizer Motaung Jr clarified that the club is offering him a non-playing role. “We, as a club, would never say anyone should retire,” he said.
“It’s a very personal decision… For footballers, it’s never over in your mind. “Obviously, the club has said we’re looking at a different role. From a playing perspective, we have a solid goalkeeping department…”
Jessica Motaung, the club’s marketing director, further elaborated, explaining that the offer is for a marketing and ambassadorial role, similar to those seen internationally with players like Dwight Yorke.
“The offer to Itu is to work with us at a marketing level, an ambassadorial role. We’ve seen it internationally with the Dwight Yorkes,” Jessica explained. While 37-year-old Khune remains passionate about playing, the club believes he has a valuable contribution to make off the field.
RIAAN HANAMUB: NO LONGER A TARGET FOR KAIZER CHIEFS
Motaung Jr confirmed that Amakhosi were interested in Riaan Hanamub, but the player has chosen to extend his contract with AmaZulu FC.
He wished the Namibian international all the best for his future. “He’s done tremendously well; I don’t think we’re the only club that looked at him. Pirates were interested,” added Motaung Jr.
“He was a standout performer for AmaZulu. But he’s extended his contract at AmaZulu, and we wanna wish him all the best.”
FAWAAZ BASADIEN: PRICE A STUMBLING BLOCK
While acknowledging Basadien’s talent, Motaung Jr revealed that Stellenbosch FC’s asking price was a major obstacle to a potential transfer. He emphasised that transfers involve two parties, and Stellenbosch’s desire to retain key players after losing several others was understandable.
“A club of our nature wants to have quality players. We had a discussion with Rob [Benadie, CEO of Stellenbosch FC]; it’s not a secret. He made the price that he had on Fawaaz very clear, and then again, when we re-engaged on the price, he made it clear to us that they want some stability.
“They lost Deano [van Rooyen] to [Orlando] Pirates. Stellenbosch also lost Iqraam [Rayners] and Aura [Anicet] is gone now on loan. They also want to keep certain key players. I think people need to understand it’s a two-way street; clubs want to keep their best players.”
SIBONGISENI ‘OX’ MTHETHWA: PART OF THE PLANS
The Amakhosi sporting director assured fans that Sibongiseni ‘Ox’ Mthethwa remains an integral part of the team’s plans. Mthethwa has been linked with an exit from the club.
However, according to Motaung Jr, the Bafana Bafana midfielder has had a good preseason and is raring to go. “Ox is a big part of the plans. He’s had a good preseason…,” he added.
Meanwhile, Motaung Jr’s candid comments provide valuable insight into Kaizer Chiefs’ transfer activities. He added that there was a possibility there could be announcements “even next week”. The Soweto giants are considering loaning out some players.
“As time goes on, even next week, there could be some announcements,” he concluded.
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