According to a club legend, Kaizer Chiefs have made several questionable moves in the transfer market over the past few years, suggesting a pattern of poor decision-making in their recruitment strategy.
What has Been Happening?
Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper William Shongwe has voiced concerns about the club’s recent transfer activity, suggesting that they’ve been acquiring players who don’t fit the team’s style.
Over the past few years, Kaizer Chiefs have brought in players like Ashley Du Preez, Ranga Chivaviro, Edson Castillo, Yusuf Maart, Mduduzi Mdantsane, and Sibongiseni Mthethwa, among others.
Despite the club’s efforts to bolster their squad in hopes of contending for the league title, Shongwe argues that these signings have been ill-suited for the team. He believes that during transfer windows, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have made better acquisitions, overshadowing Kaizer Chiefs’ recruitment efforts.
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What the Legend Said
“The issue of Kaizer Chiefs is very difficult because two seasons ago we thought they were not buying good players and that they were being outsmarted by the likes of Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in the transfer window,” Shongwe told KickOff.
“This season, Chiefs have signed well, but the players that they have signed, the club did not do enough research on how they were going to help them.
“Chiefs are a ball-playing team, but they go and get Ashley Du Preez, who runs a lot. This makes teams who are playing against Chiefs set up a low block. As a result, this leaves Du Preez with no space to run to,” he explained.
“Du Preez is a good player, other teams will use him better and he will go on and be a top goalscorer.
“You’ve got Sibongiseni Mthethwa who was a boss at Stellenbosch, and Yusuf Maart who was the boss at Sekhukhune United, but still, it’s not happening for Chiefs.
“Stellenbosch is a team that sets a low block a lot, and that made Mthethwa look like a star because he always had players around him. Now at Chiefs, every time he wins the ball, he doesn’t know who to pass it to because they are scattered all over the pitch,” continued Shongwe.
“Because they are always trying to be offensive, so his impact is not showing.”
The former goalkeeper also advises the Soweto giants to buy players for the right purpose and not just because they are deemed ‘good players’.
“Chiefs must buy players for the right course, they must first investigate what they need,” he added.
“Buy players who are in line with the team’s structure, and don’t just buy good players. They must buy players who can play the Chiefs way. Currently, they are buying good players, but they are not coming to a team that suits them.”
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The Broader Picture
Over the span of six years since 2015, the prominent Soweto club has encountered a drought in major trophy wins, despite undergoing coaching changes throughout this period.
In what was deemed a restructuring phase for the club, Kaizer Chiefs opted to part ways with senior players such as Willard Katsande, Bernard Parker, and Samir Nurkovic. However, despite these efforts aimed at rejuvenating the team, tangible results have remained elusive.
What Lies Ahead?
Despite currently holding the eighth position with only seven games remaining, Cavin Johnson and his team remain optimistic about securing a spot in the Caf Champions League.
Their focus now shifts to improving their standing as they prepare to face Richards Bay in a PSL fixture at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday, April 21.
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