Kaizer Chiefs’ DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] head coach, Vela Khumalo, has delivered a blunt assessment of the club’s recent acquisition, Xhosa Manyana.
The 20-year-old youth international joined the Glamour Boys from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Cape Town City FC on a loan deal for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
Manyana was the only acquisition for the Soweto giants during the January transfer window. His signing came at a critical time, as the reserve side saw a significant exodus of talent, with five key players sent out on loan to gain senior experience.
The five Chiefs players sent out on loans are Sfiso Timba [Gomora United], Vicky Mkhawana [Kruger United], Ofentse Kgosana [Casric Stars], Manqoba Ozoemena [Casric Stars], and Nkosana Mbuthu [Leicesterford City].
The transition has been far from smooth. The Amakhosi reserves are currently enduring a winless streak of five matches. Last weekend, the team suffered a 1-0 defeat to AmaZulu FC at Seshego Stadium—their second consecutive loss following a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Orbit College FC. This marks the first time this season that Chiefs have lost back-to-back fixtures.
However, this weekend Chiefs settled for a 2-2 draw with Richards Bay FC at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.
‘HE IS STRUGGLING TO SETTLE IN’: VELA KHUMALO
Manyana has featured in three matches since his arrival from the Citizens and was on the bench against the Natal Rich Boyz on Saturday, 21 February, but Khumalo admits the midfielder has yet to find his rhythm.
The coach suggests that the youngster is struggling to adapt to life in Naturena; however, he insists that they will try to give Manyana more time to prove himself.
“I think he is struggling to settle in. Maybe our intensity and the atmosphere on this side of the country makes things difficult for him. Maybe the coastal area, will help him out,” Khumalo told FARPost.
“This was his third game now; maybe we still need to give him time to see if he will help us throughout the season.
“But at the moment, he is not yet where we want him to be in terms of performance.”
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