Former Tanzania coach Adel Amrouche has likened Kaizer Chiefs’ new signing Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko to French star Paul Pogba after the Soweto giants secured the midfielder’s signature from Azam FC.
Amakhosi confirmed the arrival of the 27-year-old from Azam FC on a two-year deal, with an option to extend for a further season.
The development comes as Thabo Cele is edging closer to an exit from Naturena. The Tanzanian international, who becomes the first player from his country to represent Amakhosi, brings a wealth of experience. He spent six years in Scandinavia, turning out for KR Reykjavík, Keflavík and Völsungur ÍF in Iceland, while also enjoying spells in Norway and Finland. Since joining Azam FC in early 2024, he has worn the captain’s armband and established himself as a regular with the Taifa Stars.
Amrouche, who handed Mtasingwa his national team debut during his tenure with Tanzania, believes Chiefs have signed a player whose best years may still lie ahead.
WHY AMROUCHE LIKENS MTASINGWA TO POGBA
“He has good height, plays with simplicity and doesn’t complicate his life on the pitch. He can be even better if he finds an environment where he’s trusted and managed well,” Amrouche told FARPost.
“He’s like Pogba. Adolf has a nice passing range. He knows how to vary the game with long and short passes. I brought him into the national team when he didn’t have a club. He’s very humble and has so much potential to do a lot more than he has already.”
Former Azam FC teammate Prince Dube described Mtasingwa as a disciplined holding midfielder capable of bringing balance to Chiefs’ engine room.
“He’s a typical defensive midfielder who sits in front of the defence and protects the back four well,” said Dube. “I think he’ll fit in very well at Kaizer Chiefs. He needs to adjust because South African football is quicker, but his passing is very good.”
Dube believes Mtasingwa’s ability to break up attacks, retain possession and dictate the tempo from deep could provide the stability Chiefs have lacked in recent seasons.
FARPOST VERDICT ON MTASINGWA
On paper, Mtasingwa appears to be a calculated acquisition. At 27, he is entering his peak years, boasts international pedigree and arrives to fill a position Chiefs have desperately needed to reinforce. Comfortable in possession and tactically astute, he has shown an ability to shield the defence while keeping his side ticking over in midfield.
However, there are legitimate concerns. An injury curtailed his 2025/26 campaign, limiting him to just four appearances for Azam FC. The move to South Africa will also demand an adjustment, with the Betway Premiership offering a faster and more physically demanding environment than the Tanzanian top flight.
Chiefs’ medical and technical teams will be tasked with ensuring the midfielder remains fit and adapts quickly to his new surroundings.
If they succeed, Amakhosi may finally have found a long-term solution in defensive midfield, just as the curtain appears to be coming down on Cele’s spell at Naturena.
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