Amakhosi splash out on players

KAIZER Chiefs’ spending spree on new players got under way this week with the hiring of Siboniso Gaxa and will be followed by several other high-profile signings soon.

And the player buildup for next season has the backing of new coach Stuart Baxter. Next on the Chiefs shopping list are Morgan Gould, Eric Mathoho, Edward Manqele and Sibusiso Vilakazi.

However, Bloemfontein Celtic said they have turned down the Chiefs offer for Mathoho and would consider only offers from overseas.

Amakhosi, embarrassed by finishing a season without a trophy for the first time in 10 years, are now ready to splash out.

The club’s football manager, Bobby Motaung, yesterday confirmed that Chiefs were negotiating with Supersport United for Gould and Free State Stars about striker Manqele.

He said Chiefs were also hoping to lure midfielder Vilakazi from Bidvest Wits by August. The purchase of a new centre-back pairing of Gould and Mathoho is almost settled.

The aggressive new approach in the marketplace follows years of being picked by Mamelodi Sundowns and after increasing supporter pressure for new faces and bigger signings.

Combined with Chiefs’ inability to win the league title since their last success seven years ago, the club is now setting caution aside and getting ready to churn up the transfer market in the coming weeks.

Gaxa’s deal was settled on Tuesday, a week after the team unveiled Baxter as their new approach.

Chiefs’ new get-fast approach contrasts with a conservative attitude in recent years where they have been left behind on many major deals.

Gould and Mathoho, two Bafana Bafana central defenders, are likely to sign in time for the Vodacom Challenge and the Carling Black Label Cup in July. The rest could join Amakhosi in August.

“We have made offers to the clubs for these players,” said Motaung. “I believe we have made very good proposals.”

Baxter has returned to England and will return on June 22, but Motaung said the coach was happy with the proposed signings.

“He went back with a couple of videos to assess [the players]. It’s better for him to get to know them now instead of inquiring before the new season,” said Motaung.

Chiefs will let go of at least 10 players. Goalkeeper Kabelo Metsimetsi, Steven Ncanana, Dominic Mateba and Tlou Molekwane are among those believed to be part of the clearout.

“We don’t want to have players that are not competing for places in the new season,” said Motaung.