Kaizer Chiefs hosted a media open day at the Naturena Village ahead of their upcoming Betway Premiership clash against Sekhukhune United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
Here are five observations from our visit to the home of the Soweto giants.
KAIZER MOTAUNG JR CONFIRMS SEARCH FOR PROLIFIC STRIKER
Despite the anticipation from Chiefs fans for new signings during this transfer window, no new arrivals have been observed at the club. However, Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr has emphasised the club’s pursuit of a prolific striker.
Acknowledging the team’s struggles in converting numerous chances, Motaung Jr highlighted the need for a forward who consistently finds the back of the net.
While Chiefs are among the league leaders in creating scoring opportunities, their 16 goals in 13 games place them sixth in the Betway Premiership table. They are the third-highest scorers behind Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
CHRISTIAN BASOMBOLI STILL AT NATURENA
Christian Basomboli Saile remains with Chiefs, having trained with the squad as they prepare for their weekend fixture against Sekhukhune United. The Congolese forward has been the subject of transfer speculation, with Chippa United and SuperSport United reportedly interested in his services.
However, Saile continues to be part of the Amakhosi setup. It’s understood that releasing him could pave the way for the club to acquire a new foreign striker. He has only made two starts and four substitute appearances under coach Nasreddine Nabi.
DU PREEZ IN ARM SLEEVE, DUBA VOWS TO LEAD THE LINE
Ashley Du Preez was seen in an arm sleeve after picking an injury. This comes after the Cape Town-born forward fell awkwardly, apparently fracturing his elbow during the game against Stellenbosch FC. He had to be withdrawn.
Du Preez is expected to be out for the next six weeks. The 27-year-old has scored three goals in 13 appearances across all competitions. In his absence, coach Nasreddine Nabi started Wandile Duba as his centre forward.
Duba is the joint leading scorer for Chiefs alongside fellow academy graduate Mduduzi Shabalala, both having netted four goals. When speaking to journalists, the 20-year-old striker vowed he was ready to step up and lead the line.
NABI SUSPENDED, KHALIL BEN YOUSSEF HANDLES MEDIA DUTIES
With Nasreddine Nabi suspended for the next two matches following his red card, first assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef assumed media duties. Nabi will miss the upcoming matches against Sekhukhune United on Sunday and Free Agents in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 on the weekend of January 25th.
Ben Youssef, assisted by Cedric Kaze, will lead the team in Nabi’s absence. The Tunisian assistant coach eloquently discussed the club’s project and recruitment strategy during his media engagement.
In a lighter moment, Nabi playfully warned reporters against pushing him for comments, fearing another red card.
The former AS FAR Rabat coach reportedly questioned the additional three minutes of stoppage time during the 1-0 loss to Golden Arrows. He felt more time should have been added, a stance that ultimately resulted in his dismissal from the match.
POSITIVE ON KAIZER CHIEFS STAR MDUDUZI SHABALALA
Mduduzi Shabalala, joint top scorer with Wandile Duba, was forced off the field against Golden Arrows on Sunday with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. However, the 20-year-old showed no signs of the injury at training today, suggesting a swift recovery.
The Chiefs academy graduate has netted four goals this season and has been a standout performer for the club.
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