Kaizer Chiefs legend Siphiwe ‘Shabba’ Tshabalala has issued a clear transfer plea to the club’s hierarchy, urging them to bolster the squad ahead of the new Betway Premiership season.
The Soweto giants are preparing for the 2026/27 season, which they kick off with a Betway Premiership trip to Mbombela to face newboys Kruger United on Saturday. It is a season they will be participating in five competitions, including the CAF Confederation Cup.
After finishing third in the Betway Premiership last term, Chiefs will be pushing to go further up to clinch their first PSL title since the 2014/15 campaign. Also to play for is the MTN8, Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup.
In preparing themselves for what lies ahead, the Soweto giants have signed defender Thabo Moloisane, goalkeeper Renaldo Leanee and Tanzania international midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko. As first reported by FARPost, Chiefs have also completed the signing of Stellenbosch winger Langelihle Phili.
Coach Fernando da Cruz recently revealed that he still needs to make further additions, particularly in attack. This comes amid the imminent departure of Congolese striker Glody Lilepo, whose exit leaves a massive void up front.
SIPHIWE ‘SHABBA’ TSHABALALA WEIGHS IN ON KAIZER CHIEFS’ TRANSFER BUSINESS
Tshabalala is bold in saying more signings are needed to beef up coach Da Cruz’s squad. The Bafana Bafana legend places emphasis on the need for a strong squad, in remarks that suggest that Chiefs are yet to have a competitive group.
I think there are more signings that need to be made. I’m sure the club also wants to sign the best players that are available,” Tshabalala told FARPost.
“I’m sure as time goes on, there will be those inclusions in the team. You need to have a strong squad and depth to help you compete. Teams that are competing and dominating have depth and quality players as well. You need everyone, so you are in a position where you don’t have to rely on certain individuals, but on the squad that you have.”
“You rely on those that are on the bench, that will come and help the team.”
CHIEFS’ NEW SIGNINGS ASSESSED BY TSHABALALA
The Amakhosi great has taken time to detail what each of those signed brings to the club. It is to be seen if the new acquisitions will enjoy regular football although club captain Brandon Petersen appears unmoved as the first-choice goalkeeper after the signing of Leaner.
“Moloisane is a good centre-back. He played well for Stellies which subsequently earned him his big move to Chiefs. I look forward to seeing him and I hope that he will settle in as quickly as possible and contribute positively to the team’s goals.” added Tshabalala.
“Leaner is a good goalkeeper as well. I think we have great competition in the goalkeeping department. He played very well when he was still at Sekhukhune United. I think he is someone who has a big game temperament. He played well in big games, he delivered. So, he will have to fight for the number one spot against Brandon. One would hope that it will be a great and healthy competition.
“I haven’t seen much of him [Bitegeko]. Therefore my analysis will be limited. But I’m sure he will be given a chance. We will see how he is going to fare but we welcome him, we wish him well. The same with him, hopefully he will settle in as quickly as possible, there is no time.”
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