Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Kenny Niemach has identified a leadership void and the lack of a game-changer as the two missing elements in the current Amakhosi squad.
The Soweto giants are working to build a competitive squad for the 2026/27 season under new head coach Fernando da Cruz. The Frenchman has inherited a team which finished third in the Betway Premiership last season.
Participation in the CAF Confederation Cup will be a major litmus test for Da Cruz to see if he can deliver continental silverware to Naturena, following Amakhosi’s exit at the group stages in their last appearance in the tournament.
After Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates halted Mamelodi Sundowns’ eight-season clutch on the Betway Premiership title, it was a challenge posed to Chiefs that no team is invincible, and they can too end their drought in this competition, which they last claimed in 2015.
But Da Cruz appears to be taking his time in welcoming new signings to his squad. It could be that he is not in a rush while being meticulous in his recruiting, or it might be a matter of indecisiveness in the transfer market.
Centre-back Thabo Moloisane completed a move to Chiefs before Da Cruz’s appointment, and he is the only other signing so far, together with goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner. Calls for the Soweto giants to reinforce their squad are growing louder.
KENNY NIEMACH SPOTS TWO KEY GAPS IN KAIZER CHIEFS’ SQUAD
The Soweto giants are captained by goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, who is deputised by centre-backs Zitha Kwinika and Inacio Miguel. But Niemach, who also played for Sundowns, has come in to suggest that, beyond transfer business, Da Cruz needs a natural leader in his squad, plus what he calls an “X-factor player.”
“Chiefs have always had a player with an X-factor like Doctor Khumalo. Now, who is the X-factor? It’s difficult to point out,” Niemach told FARPost.
“I would also give an example of Roger Feutmba, who was a big personality at Sundowns, where I played with him. He was someone whom the whole team looked up to and relied upon. That kind of player is needed at Chiefs.
“Chiefs need leadership. The coach needs to identify players who can carry the team. I think they lack leadership and an X-factor player, as I said.
“Someone who is willing to take responsibility, to say guys lets come together, but I’m willing to take everything that comes our way. Now, that’s responsibility. They need someone to be the team’s driving force. This is what’s lacking at Chiefs.”
KENNY NIEMACH PLEADS FOR PATIENCE WITH FERNANDO DA CRUZ AND PINPOINTS CHIEFS’ OTHER AREAS OF NEED
Niemach warns that it might be too early to judge Da Cruz, while also suggesting that Chiefs may still need a winger and an attacking midfielder to implement their possession-based style fully.
“As you know, they have a new coach. Now, what happens is that the coach reviews past performances, sees weaknesses and tries to rectify them. He looked at the defence and said I need a new central defender,” Niemach went on.
“He then looked at the goalkeeping department and said I need a goalkeeper. Maybe that explains his signings so far. The coach now needs to play lots of games to identify areas where he needs to fix.
“Chiefs need to play in the [CAF] Champions League and be up there with Sundowns and Pirates. There is a lot of work the coach needs to do. Let us not judge him as yet. Let us see his influence on the team. Every coach has a way he wants to play.
“I think they need a winger and maybe an attacking midfielder. Chiefs are a team that is known to play the ball, short passes, controls the game, they are a possession team. You must have technically gifted players if you want to dictate the tempo and truly control the game.”
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