Reason to be optimistic

Looking in-depth at these Amakhosi signings so far, there are a couple of very good additions and some others who have serious potential. This should give the fanbase cause for positivity that a good season is coming up. Du Preez is a very exciting addition and Kwinika can be a defensive lynchpin at centre-back to improve the side’s record of goals conceded. Solomons really excelled last season and brings a versatility and two-footedness that few can match. He may find himself used in various roles and in various formations due to his ability to play anywhere up the left or right flanks. Mahlatsi, as discussed, is yet to really deliver in the topflight, but he has the potential and talent to be a brilliant player. Finding the best role for him won’t be easy for Zwane, though. Maart is another midfield reinforcement and will bring the range of passing that the coach needs to play a possessionbased style. Matlou could be the ace in the pack in this group of signings with his dribbling and skill in the engine room. And finally, there’s the energy and work-rate of Sithebe in midfield to cover for teammates and keep the tempo of Chiefs’ play at a high level. Despite it being a strong list of signings, it likely isn’t nearly enough to mount a title challenge in the season ahead. The Glamour Boys should improve their results and particularly their style of play, but there is still a long way to go. This refreshment of the squad will need to be continued in the January transfer window and next off-season to keep edging closer to Mamelodi Sundowns. Overall, it’s probably about a 7.5 or 8 out of 10 transfer window at this stage. With the offfield structure now in place, the club should be consistently signing good players instead of all the free agents as has happened before, or flops like Lazarous Kambole and Siphelele Ntshangase, who cost significant transfer fees.