New Kaizer Chiefs, who dis?
Kaizer Chiefs will look decidedly different at the start of the 2024-2025 campaign. Let’s look at the massive changes afoot at Naturena.
Five huge changes are coming to Kaizer Chiefs
New manager and technical team
Two faces have arrived at Naturena, ready for work before the 2024-2045 campaign. French-Portuguese coach Fernando Da Cruz is at the club and goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzoughi has followed suit. Four more technical team members will arrive working alongside head coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Nasreddine Nabi with AS FAR in Morocco. Image: @safootclassics / X
Acquisitions targeted in three key positions
iDiski Times reporter Lorenz Kohler has revealed exactly where Chiefs will look to do their business in the winter window.
“Sources have previously indicated a striker, left-back and goalkeeper remain among the priority targets for the club in the upcoming weeks, while several players who are out of contract, will have final decisions on extensions or being released in the coming days.”
Monnapule Saleng of Orlando Pirates challenges Sifiso Hlanti of Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: BackpagePix
Senior players are shown the door
SABC Sport reported that Kaizer Chiefs have released Siyethemba Sithebe, Keagan Dolly and Sifiso Hlanti. Njabulo Ngcobo follows them out the exit door and will sign a contract with Sekhukhune. George Matlou and Itumeleng Khune are two other players whose contracts expire at the end of June 2024. So far, there’s no clarity of their immediate futures. Jasond Gonzalez has already been released, reinforcing the need for a new striker. A younger left-back has been a necessity for a while. With Hlanti’s departure, confirmed, that’s an urgent issue to address.
The Kaizer Chiefs Naturena Village in all its glory. Image: Ernest Makhaya
Exciting new striker?
According to UnplayableZA on X, Nasreddine Nabi has zeroed in on Tumisang Orebonye as his first potential signing as head coach at Naturena. The 28-year-old striker plays under Nabi at FAR Rabat and has 40 caps for the Botswana National team alongside Thatayaone Ditlhokwe. The prolific hitman has four goals and an assist from 15 league appearances in 2023-2024. That’s a healthy ratio of direct goal contributions. The player will also cost absolutely nothing as he joined FAR on a six-month loan deal. If he hits the ground running and puts the ball in the net, Amakhosi fans will start loving Nabi for his talent ID abilities.
Nasreddine Nabi has identified Orebonye as his first signing as Chiefs boss. Image: Facebook
Nabi aims to entertain
FAR Rabat boss Nasreddine Nabi has reiterated his desire to ‘put on a good show’ for the supporters to enjoy and shared the secret to his team’s productivity in front of goal this term. They scored 65 times in 30 matches in the league, 17 more than any other side in the division. This revelation will be particularly pleasing for Kaizer Chiefs fans, who always demand entertaining, attack-minded football. He’s gone so far as to say he’ll play enterprising football even if it costs them goals at the other end.
Amakhosi fans, what are your feelings ahead of the new season? Let us know in the comments below.
