Chiefs legend weighs in: Ranga Chivaviro’s road to a contract extension
As a former prolific striker for Kaizer Chiefs, Collins Mbesuma knows a thing or two about finding the back of the net. He has shared his insights on what Ranga Chivaviro needs to do to impress and secure a new contract at Amakhosi.
Chivaviro joined Chiefs ahead of the 2023/24 season after parting ways with Marumo Gallants, who were relegated from the DStv Premiership [now the Betway Premiership] the previous campaign.
The striker signed a two-year contract with the Soweto giants, with an option for another year. His current deal expires at the end of the current season in June, and Amakhosi will soon decide whether to offer him an extension.
Chivaviro faced challenges in his debut season at Chiefs, battling injury setbacks and struggling to find his form. However, his second season at the club has shown signs of improvement. He has scored three goals in nine appearances across all competitions this year.
The former Gallants hitman is known for his prolific goal-scoring record with his previous club, where he netted 17 goals in 30 appearances in the 2022/23 campaign.
Currently, Chivaviro is the only recognised striker in the Chiefs squad. Wandile Duba, a natural striker, has been deployed as a winger, while Ashley Du Preez, a versatile forward, can play in various attacking positions.
While Chivaviro has yet to consistently display the brilliance he showcased at Gallants, former Chiefs striker Mbesuma believes that consistent performances will be crucial if he wants to earn a contract extension at Naturena.
COLLINS MBESUMA SAYS RANGA CHIVAVIRO CAN ONLY EARN AN EXTENSION AT KAIZER CHIEFS BY SCORING GOALS
The 40-year-old added that Chivaviro needs to score goals to stand a better chance of earning a contract extension at The Glamour Boys.
“Well, that [contract extension] will go down to the coaches and the club’s management; at least he has a clause for an extension,” Mbesuma told FARPost.
Mbesuma, who holds the record for the most goals scored in a season [25] in the 2004/2005 season at Chiefs, believes Chivaviro’s future at the club hinges on his ability to impress coach Nasreddine Nabi with his goal-scoring performances.
Nabi is reportedly seeking a new striker, indicating a lack of confidence in Chivaviro’s current contribution.
“But at the end of the day, it’s up to him [Chivaviro] and what he brings to the club; he has to score goals and help the club achieve its goals,” added Mbesuma.
“To be honest, what can save him and earn him that extension is only performing well. By that, it’s scoring goals because he’s a striker, and that’s his only job on the field, to score.”
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