Kaizer Chiefs ‘not done in transfer market’

Bafana Bafana player Oswin Appollis has been linked with a move from Polokwane City to Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: BackpagePix

Bafana Bafana player Oswin Appollis has been linked with a move from Polokwane City to Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: BackpagePix

Published Aug 1, 2024

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According to sporting director Kaizer Motaung jr, Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs are still seeking to reinforce their squad ahead of the 2024/2025 Betway Premiership campaign.

The Amakhosi are looking to usher in a new era under new coach Nasreddine Nabi, with the ambition of finally breaking their unprecedented nine-year trophy drought.

The Naturena-based outfit have already locked down the services of three new additions to the squad as Nabi looks to kick-start a new project.

Goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari has joined from TS Galaxy, while Bongani Sam and Rushwin Dortley were also signed from Orlando Pirates and Cape Town Spurs.

Chiefs have been heavily linked with the likes of Asanele Velebayi from Spurs, as well as Polokwane City’s Oswin Appollis, who both starred in the previous campaign.

With the transfer window set to close on September 20, Motaung has confirmed that the club have not closed their chequebook, with more than one signing still expected to materialise.

“We’re definitely not done in the transfer market because there are some glaring positions in the squad that we need to reinforce,” said Motaung.

“We have a young squad at the moment in time. I think it’s a squad that needs a bit of experience, and a bit of quality. So, we are very mindful of the demands placed on what’s coming next season.

“So, to answer the question, we’re working behind the scenes day and night to make sure that we reinforce ... we need to reinforce.

“We’ve got a bit of a clear roadmap of the kind of player we need in what positions.”

The Amakhosi have done the unthinkable this season as they introduced a completely new technical team made up of four new arrivals.

The club finished the season in 10th place last season and with very little hope for the future, as dismal performances saw an end to interim coach Cavin Johnson’s tenure.

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) July 29, 2024

With Nabi at the wheel, Motaung has sought to manage expectations, pleading for the radical supporters of the club to give the Tunisian coach a period to ‘cook’.

“I think we are very privileged to have the technical staff that we have with coach Nabi. He’s the new coach, an excellent coach. And what we ask, and we pray for, is the patience from our supporters,” he said.

“We pray for patience from our Amakhosi faithful. That’s because this is a year where we’re going to reconstruct our squad.

“We know our fans have high expectations. And we also set high goals for ourselves, but we want to be realistic.

“We want the Amakhosi faithful to back the players, back the coach. The technical staff will need time to be able to influence their philosophy and bring about the change.

“So, we ask for patience and support. And for us to be able to take the steps gradually to where we want to be.”