Kaizer Chiefs have swiftly signed Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane, both of whom recently parted ways with their fierce rivals, Orlando Pirates.
The Soweto giants Chiefs faced challenges in their full-back options, with Reeve Frosler injured during the final months of the season and the departure of Thatayaone Ditlhokwe.
It was evident that the team needed to strengthen both flanks of their defence. Mako’s contract with the Buccaneers was set to expire in June, and the club announced on Friday that he was leaving, along with Monyane.
The diminutive wingback has agreed to a three-year deal with Chiefs, effective July 1. With the duo moving to Naturena, the question arises: what will happen to Dillan Solomons, Edmilson Dove, and Frosler?
WHAT HAPPENS TO EDMILSON DOVE?
The Mozambican international will be out of contract at the end of June. Amakhosi exercised their one-year option at the end of last season, which is now concluding. There is a prevailing sense that the former Cape Town City FC star has not done enough to warrant a new deal.
The 30-year-old appeared in 13 games during the recently concluded season, having struggled during the early days of coach Nasreddine Nabi’s tenure at the club. With Mako joining the team as a left-back, a position that Dove can also occupy, Chiefs’ plan is to shift Bradley Cross to left centre-back, with Aden McCarthy also emerging as an alternative to Rushwin Dortley.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR DILLAN SOLOMONS?
Solomons stepped in for Frosler after he sustained a long-term injury, starting in 11 matches, including the Nedbank Cup final. While Solomons showed several shortcomings in his game, Nabi lacked an alternative in that position.
Njabulo Blom reportedly refused to play right-back, insisting he preferred holding midfield. Monyane arrives and is expected to compete with Frosler for a starting role. The Steenberg-born talent, Solomons, signed a four-year contract upon joining Chiefs in 2022 and has one year remaining. The Soweto giants are likely to retain him as a squad player, making him their third option at right-back.
WHAT’S THE SITUATION WITH FROSLER?
Frosler, who made 16 appearances in the Betway Premiership before being sidelined by injury, signed a contract extension in March.
He also made five appearances in the Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout Cup. At 27 years old, he is regarded as the club’s first-choice right-back, with Monyane expected to challenge for his position. He will remain at the club for another season.
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