Did Chiefs miss a trick in Jan?
With the January transfer window now shut, Kaizer Chiefs did not bring in a single reinforcement. Whilst Orlando Pirates beefed up with two new additions in speedy Thabiso Lebitso and creative Thalente Mbatha, Mamelodi Sundowns went out and secured four big-money acquisitions. Large fees were spent on defender Zuko Mdunyelwa, midfielder Matías Esquivel and attacking midfielders Tashreeq Matthews and Thembinkosi Lorch. Did Amakhosi’s board simply not want to put their hand in their pocket? Or was there a logical reason behind sticking with what they’ve got? Soccer Laduma investigates.
Goalkeeper: Get a clear answer
In the poles, it wouldn’t have made sense for Kaizer Chiefs to move for a new signing. Firstly, they already have three goalkeepers and with Itumeleng Khune’s high salary, the club can’t be devoting more of their wage budget to this position. Also, the next three or four months gives an ideal chance to get a clear answer on the three custodians. Bruce Bvuma appears to have renewed his contract for a further two years and is currently the man in possession of the gloves. He needs a run of games to fully determine whether he is of the standard required at the Soweto giants. Brandon Petersen and Khune are into the final few months of their respective deals and the club has already stated that the latter’s contract signed last year will be his final playing one. In the off-season, Amakhosi have to decide on whether to move for an undisputed number one or for a specialist number three to back up Bvuma and Petersen. There is a big difference between going for someone like Nigeria number one Stanley Nwabili from Chippa United or Rwandan Fiacre Ntwari from TS Galaxy, and a clear fringe keeper.
VERDICT: CORRECT DECISION. Signing a goalkeeper now would have been a mistake. They need more clarity on Bvuma’s quality and the futures of the other two shot-stoppers.
Right back: Nothing needed right now
At right back, the Glamour Boys have plenty of options. Reeve Frosler has largely been the number one, with Zitha Kwinika used in that role on certain occasions. The latter has a year left on the three-year deal signed when he was recruited from Stellenbosch FC. Frosler has performed relatively well this season with signs of increased defensive nous. Another player on the books who is predominantly viewed as a right back is Dillan Solomons. He is yet to convince of his merits in that role for a club like Chiefs, but he still has another two years to run on his agreement. If the club decide that this area needs to be beefed up come June, then a good transfer target could be Tholo Matuludi from Polokwane City. He has excelled this season in defensive, attacking and aerial situations and looks ripe for a move to one of the top outfits.
VERDICT: CORRECT DECISION. There is no current need for a right back and Amakhosi are arguably not going to be in the market for a new fullback on that side for at least another year.
Centre-back: Already overstocked; new signing ready to feature
Many supporters may look at the heart of the defence as a weak area for the Naturena-based side. The fact is that the team has plenty of bodies in that area. One may argue that there is a high quantity but that the quality is questionable. You have Given Msimango, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Njabulo Ngcobo, Edmilson Dove and Kwinika who are all options in that area. The sixth centre-back is Luke Fleurs, who was signed in October 2023 on a free transfer. He is yet to make his debut for the club and is effectively still a new signing. So, whilst Amakhosi didn’t sign any players in the January registration window, the supporters do have Fleurs’ debut to look forward to. Can he make a big difference? Well, let’s look at his credentials. Fleurs is an U23 South African international with 70 DStv Premiership appearances to his name at 23. He started 35 matches at SuperSport United alongside Ditlhokwe, where they formed a strong pairing. That is a benefit for Chiefs as there is a pre-existing chemistry and understanding there. Can Fleurs partner Msimango? Well, both players have played as the left centre-back in the back four on a fair few occasions and could work well as a pair. Both are good characters with leadership qualities and ball-playing abilities. Let’s hope Cavin Johnson gets Fleurs on the pitch regularly between now and the end of the season.
VERDICT: CORRECT DECISION. Until we see how Fleurs fit into the Chiefs system, it would be unwise to further block his path with a new signing. The off-season is a chance to re-assess, especially with Ngcobo out of contract.
Left back: An area of concern
Prior to this season, Sifiso Hlanti signed a new one-year contract. The Soweto giants also have Edmilson Dove in that role and you could vaguely include Happy Mashiane too, although his future looks more likely to be as a winger. Whilst the team is well stocked in terms of numbers, left back feels like one area where they could upgrade and see an immediate difference. With AmaZulu FC signing Sifiso Ngobeni on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns, perhaps Usuthu would be open to a lucrative bid for Riaan Hanamub. Another regularly linked option is Fawaaz Basadien, who has done brilliantly for Stellies and is a set-piece specialist too. A further potential target is Cape Town Spurs man, Rushwin Dortley. There is talk that Amakhosi tabled a bid for him last July and Downs have also been linked. He spent some time on trial at FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark but was not signed in the end. Although he is perhaps more of a left centre-back for a back three formation, he could play as a stay-at-home fullback at Chiefs, a bit like Sundowns use Abdelmounaim Boutouil.
VERDICT: WRONG DECISION. Arguably, the Glamour Boys should have devoted some transfer funds to at least bidding for Basadien or Hanamub in this window as left back is a problem position right now. Hlanti will almost certainly depart in June and maybe clubs will raise their price as they will know that Chiefs are desperate.
Central midfield: Quality and quantity
Considering the big-money signing of Sibongiseni Mthethwa was only completed in September, Chiefs have strengthened this area very recently. With Yusuf Maart and Edson Castillo as big-name options, as well as Samkelo Zwane knocking on the door, there is no way the team could have accommodated another central midfield player. In fact, Johnson isn’t having an easy time choosing which two of those three main options to start. There is talk that Siyethemba Sithebe and George Matlou will be offloaded at the end of the season. Castillo has had some vague links with a move to North African clubs, too. As it stands, this area has quality and strength in depth.
VERDICT: CORRECT DECISION. There was no need to look to bolster an already strong and expensively-assembled engine room.
Attacking midfield: Kids need pathway + Dolly decision
In the area behind the striker, i.e. the wingers and the number 10 position, Amakhosi again have plenty of bodies. Johnson’s arrival has breathed fresh life into Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and there is still Mduduzi Shabalala, who can’t have his route to minutes obstructed. Signing a number 10 would have been crazy because the club spent R3.5 million on Mduduzi Mdantsane not long ago and he already looks on the fringes, with his career at Naturena in the balance. As for the winger positions, we’ve seen Pule Mmodi deliver some big moments before the Afcon break. Christian Saile has moved back to his right winger role and he brings plenty to the table. It doesn’t look like Tebogo Potsane is a big part of Johnson’s thinking and then you have Ashley Du Preez and Keagan Dolly who can play on the flanks too. The latter is an interesting one because we know he earns ‘bombs’ in terms of salary and the Siya crew reported in April that his contract may get renewed soon. However, his agent Paul Mitchell told Soccer Laduma that those reports are untrue. Realistically, Dolly needs to get himself fully fit and lean again after his knee surgery. It would make no sense to renew his large contract without seeing him back to playing at full tilt first. The likelihood is that Potsane could be offloaded in the off-season and the likes of Sabelo Radebe and even Happy Mashiane may join him.
VERDICT: QUERSTIONABLE DECISION. You can understand Chiefs wanting to play wait-and-see on Dolly before signing another winger, but it does feel like a position that could be upgraded. Two obvious targets would be Elias Mokwana from Sekhukhune United and Oswin Appollis from Polokwane City. Both have been in the Bafana Bafana picture and have excelled this season. Jaeden Rhodes, Sanele Barns, Mfundo Thikazi and Chumani Butsaka could be other players to consider, as well as Shandre Campbell.
Striker: The missing piece?
If you asked 1 000 Chiefs fans where they would make a signing, probably 95% of those would say a goalscorer is necessary. Ranga Chivaviro was acquired after just one prolific season in his DStv Premiership career and he is on the wrong side of 30. Jasond Gonzalez is being given more chances to play, but there isn’t a whole lot to suggest he is going to suddenly explode. Du Preez is perhaps best through the middle, but ruthless finishing has never been something to associate with the speed merchant. A genuinely top-class striker could totally change the outlook for the Glamour Boys, but where do you find players like that? They have tried the foreign market with Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana, but he was quickly written off just a year into a three-year contract. Khanyisa Mayo would bring more of a poacher ability and he is stronger in the air by a big distance than Du Preez. Iqraam Rayners has been linked, but his game is certainly too similar to that of Du Preez and the move wouldn’t make sense. Chibuike Ohizu is a constant handful for defenders and is someone Amakhosi could tempt from Sekhukhune for a few million Rand perhaps.
VERDICT: QUERSTIONABLE DECISION. The club arguably needed a striker in this window, but finding the right player for the right price is exceptionally challenging. They may argue that they need to get an answer, once and for all, if Chivaviro or Gonzalez have what it takes to score regularly for the country’s most-supported club.
Swallows clear-out: Chiefs alive to options?
As we’ve seen in this window, Moroka Swallows fired the majority of their squad. Leaving aside the legalities of that decision, it has presented an opportunity to try to sign some of their players. SuperUnited Sport were opportunistic and grabbed Keegan Allan on a free transfer. Golden Arrows picked up Kagiso Malinga to boost their attack, too. Were Chiefs alive to any signings from the Dube Birds? If we are honest, not many Swallows players would improve Amakhosi besides Bongani Sam and Tshegofatso Mabasa and both are contracted to Soweto archrivals, Orlando Pirates. In reality, the club probably made the right decision to steer clear and instead focus on the players they already have.
The difficulty with January signings
Signing players in January is never easy. Even in the big five leagues, not many clubs make big moves in the mid-season transfer window. It cerdidn’t tainly work for Chelsea to sign so many players in January 2023 and the examples of good moves in this window are quite rare (Virgil Van Dijk, for example). Yes, Sundowns have acquired big names like Teboho Mokoena and Rushine De Reuck in the January window in years gone by, but most clubs are not eager to sell. It is difficult to find replacements at short notice and even for Chiefs, they would have to bed down any additions without the aid of a full pre-season. Considering how many players they bought last season and how late guys like Mthethwa and Fleurs arrived, it could unsettle the dressing room to bring in one or more signings. Another factor is that Amakhosi ended December in pretty good form – 13 points from six matches (WLWWWD) – and they may feel like there is momentum brewing in the ranks. It may disrupt their good run and create uncertainty to go on a spending spree (like Downs did).
Amakhosi keep their powder dry
After so many years of not spending money on transfer fees, we’ve seen some big additions at Chiefs over the last couple of years. Du Preez, Kwinika, Maart, Msimango and Mthethwa all took significant fees to get them out of their former clubs. Based on that evidence, the club was not just being cheap in this window. They seemingly plan to keep their powder dry, as the saying goes, in order to have more to spend in July and August. Based on the positional analysis done, they are going to 100% need a left back and a striker in the off-season. A winger and a goalkeeper are also on the agenda. Besides that, they need to get their decisions right in terms of whether to hold onto big earners like Dolly and Khune or whether to make a clean break from one or both of them. In terms of players who feel like they are somewhat on trial between now and June, guys like Fleurs, Bvuma, Petersen, Saile, Gonzalez, Chivaviro, Mashiane and even Dove have a lot to prove to the Sporting Director, club hierarchy and the current (and next?) head coach. They need to perform to ensure they are not part of a clear-out come 30 June.
also salute the masses on the ground for continuously asking for the inclusion of Mudau and Zwane. Siyabonga Nkalambela, Delft
This Bafana team has been wonderful to watch at times. Surely, they have to win this cup this time around. They haven’t been this close in a long time. Never mind the remaining teams. Broos has done a stellar job. He must be allowed to continue until Benni or Pitso are free and ready to take over the reins regardless of the results henceforth. It would be a dream if Bafana can meet DR Congo in the final. Surely the balance of power in African football has shifted. Southern African teams are doing well, unlike before. This is good news for SADC going into these last rounds. May Bafana win this cup. Useni Kumandiwaza, via email
Penalties or no penalties,
Bafana won and they proceeded to the semis of the Afcon. After all, penalties are part of the game. Cape Verde is a stubborn team, but the main thing is we ended up winners and if we pass the semis, we can clinch the cup. Congrats to our national team. Nyambeni Samson Khuphani, Tshiawelo Ext 5
In future, long after this Afcon, journalists, analysts, commentators and fans may unnecessarily omit to mention the dates, venues or host of this tournament, but they’ll emphatically remember the epic clash between Cape Verde and Bafana. Both teams played with hunger and passion. What kept the game goalless were the heroics saves by Williams and Vozinha. This was the first match, in this Afcon edition, in which regulation time and extra time passed without a goal being conceded. This speaks to the intensity and competitive nature of the game. Truth be told, Cape
Verde have been playing brilliant football. However, Broos masterminded a tactical change that confused and stopped them from playing their traditional style. Bubista had to exhaust his bank of tactics, until he resorted to long balls and counterattacks. No wonder he deployed their dangerman Bebe, trying to catch Bafana unawares from long range, but Kekana, Mvala, Mudau and Williams were alert to the danger. The Blue Sharks closely smelled Bafana’s blood in stoppage time, but Williams miraculously saved the day. That save shall be archived in Afcon’s history books. Congrats to Bafana for their glorious march to the semis. We salute Williams for the history-making saves in the penalty shootout. Batsirai Kativu, Johannesburg
Williams’ performance against Cape Verde was unprecedented. Who saves four penalties in a shootout? This has to be
one of his greatest displays. He took us to the semis to face the Super Eagles. We now believe we can go all the way. On a lighter note, Cape Verde has beautiful women. Think we must soon relocate! Peter wa ga Makwela, K lipgat
What caught my attention when captain Williams saved four penalties against Cape Verde was when he did not celebrate. Keepers always celebrate each save made, but he remained very focused. Perhaps he was silently thinking about ensuring our unbelievable 24-year wait for a semi-final berth is over and boy, did he deliver. I saw passion in his eyes each time he made a save. He wholeheartedly wanted to lead the team to the next stage. He has now become the only keeper in Afcon history to save four penalties, which excludes sudden death. We are not talking about rugby style penalties and those that hit the posts. Even during the game itself, he produced good saves to ensure a fourth consecutive clean sheet. He really produced a captain’s performance. He did not start his Bafana journey on a good note and I remember him being hammered by the mighty Brazil. When he was later given the armband, supporters had mixed feelings. I recall stating on this platform that perhaps the armband was what the doctor ordered to lift his game and I was proven right. He has never looked back ever since. Congratulations are in order to the entire team. Amos “Tiger” Tshukudu, Ga-Maria
My standing ovation goes to Williams for his heroic displays leading by example as our captain. I’m talking about scintillating form that took Bafana to the semis. I also want to salute all our players for their dedication to their craft, unleashing the best in them. However, I’m very concerned about our technical team’s inability to identify the right substitutions. They always get it wrong and I just don’t know why. We were exposed and almost got punished by Cape Verde. They must shorten their long sleeves and do their homework, otherwise Nigeria will punish us. The right time to change the subject ‘Class of ’96’ is now. Bring it home boys!
“Bhotsotso” Mkhize, Eshowe, Mpaphala, K ZN
I encourage my fellow South Africans to rally behind Bafana and Broos. Let’s stop criticising the coach and start supporting him and the team. When was the last time the national team reached the semis of the Afcon, let alone qualifying for the African prestigious competition? Everybody can attest to the fact that Bafana were dead before the Belgian’s arrival. They were no longer interesting, and even fans were not attending matches compared to when Chiefs and Pirates were playing. Broos has turned Bafana into a team to watch and to talk about not only in South Africa but in the entire continent. All the best, Bafana. Make us proud!
Litha “Mlithana” Nqeketo, Mthatha, Eastern Cape
After beating the number one team in Africa and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, we effectively became one the favourites to win the tournament, especially playing islanders Cape Verde, who’d never gotten beyond the quarterfinals. My biggest worry was the psychological part because we were the underdogs against Morocco and Cape Verde were the underdogs against us. Those guys are not the fishermen they are thought to be. The more I watch Makgopa, the more I understand his role in Broos’ system, more so after he is subbed out. Our bench is not healthy. It was a very wellbalanced game. We started well and let Cape Verde grow into the game. Lastly, Saddam, Machaka, Mama Joy and Botha, don’t go to foreign countries and hang our dirty laundry in public, no matter the rift you guys have here at home. Some of you guys are there courtesy of our taxes. The division you showed in the stands in the group stage didn’t go unnoticed. Special thanks to Williams.
Lucky K hunou, Meriting
Kudos are in order to the national team for advancing to the semis. I was sceptical of this team but was made to eat humble pie. To advance to the semis for the first time in 24 years is a milestone. What better way to achieve it than on the day when Clive Barker and his troops won the trophy (3 February 1996). Williams was outstanding in keeping four consecutive clean sheets and saving four penalties. He pulled off a point-blank save in the dying minutes to keep us in the game. I hope when you read this, we’d have brushed the Nigerians aside and marched on to the final. At least we are going to play the maximum number of games for the tournament. Bring it home! Mogabeng Baloyi, Hammanskraal
The football gods are with us. The 1996 and 2024 calendars are the same. Bafana will be too hot to handle, but we have a mountain to climb in front of us, as I write this. The nation is behind you, tackle them and leave them dizzy. Make our late heroes rejoice from the grave. The team is marvellous to watch. I’m rallying behind you guys. Danny “Madeenzo” Moreo, Segakwana village, Moruleng
A very difficult game against Cape Verde. Hard nut to crack those islanders. From the word go, they really pressed us, but Bafana, as always, absorbed the pressure. Sithole and Mokoena were compact in the middle, while up front, we were misfiring. Let’s be honest, Tau didn’t have a good game and Makgopa was isolated most of the time. As usual, Williams came to our rescue as he made some crucial saves. Cape Verde have themselves to blame as they missed a lot of chances. Bafana didn’t have many promising attacks. Once again, Williams produced a massive performance in the penalty shootout. Lepasa and Modiba nearly brought the opponents back into it with their poor penalties, especially Modiba. Congrats and good luck. Madimetja Vic Mashamaite, Renstown
If it ain’t broken, why fix it? Broos has played the same starting line-up in the last four fixtures. It seems like the coach feels this is his winning combination that has given him a spot in the semifinals. Against Cape Verde, they played well and had possession but didn’t create many scoring opportunities. However, the back four stood firm against the Blue Sharks’ attack. It was clear when the game went into extra time that both nations were just sitting back and didn’t want to make any mistakes. When it went all the way to the dreaded penalty shootout, then it was anybody’s game to win. Heroes become villains because even the best players in the world can miss a penalty from 12 yards out. Williams’ heroics in goal stood between victory and defeat. Even though our penalty takers missed twice, he kept us in the game. Bafana reached the semifinals with all odds against them. Gavin Ryan, Emalahleni
Hats off to Bafana for beating Morocco and Cape Verde respectively. Credit to our goalkeeper for saving those four penalties and making history in the process. Well done also to the technical team and, most importantly, the coach for guiding the boys. Indeed, sport has the power to unite us and with Bafana delivering, now the country is happy and we watch them regardless of the time. I was just thinking out loud that if the boys win the cup, the mood and atmosphere in the country will be unbelievable. Go Bafana Bafana go! Thapelo Masiapata, Ramaroka village, Bolobedu
Bafana players from Sundowns are so impressive. We are proud of this current crop of players. Lepasa, Makgopa, Zwane, Williams, Mobbie, Tau, Mudau… all of you guys, we are very proud. Thank you, guys, for the job well done.