Kaizer Chiefs’ squad rebuild continues. After an underwhelming 2023/24 season, where they finished their ninth season without silverware and outside the top 8, the club is forging ahead with its squad rebuild ahead of the 2024/25 season. Amakhosi has roped in a new technical team, spearheaded by Tunisian mentor Narsreddine Nabi, who came with his two assistant coaches, a goalkeeper coach, and a conditioning coach, replacing Cavin Johnson, Dillon Sheppard, Aubrey Mathibe, and Muzi Maluleka (all redeployed).
On the playing side, Sfiso Hlanti, Keegan Dolly, Jason Gonzalez, Njabulo Ngcobo, Siyethemba Sithebe, have all left the club for different reasons. The Soweto giants also embarked on a three-week tour of Turkey as part of their pre-season plans. Upon their return, they were embarrassed by Tanzanian giants Young Africans 4-0 in Bloemfontein in a high-profile friendly, much to the disappointment of their ever-present and passionate supporters across the African continent.
After that defeat, Nabi commented on the need to look at the squad quality without emotions. The reaction from the management was to bring in Bongani Sam (left back), Roshwin Dortley (left center back), Fiacre Ntwari (goalkeeper), Gaston Sirino (attacking midfielder), and Inacio Miguel (right center back) today. There have been a few misses in the market (Mokwena) and some deals are still being negotiated by the Sporting Director and the selling clubs.
With the transfer window (SA) closing on September 20, expect more incomings at Naturena. With the Betway Premier League only three weeks away, the country and the continent remains hopeful that the sleeping giant will awaken this season to at least close the gap on Sundowns and Orlando Pirates and reclaim its glory, injecting some positive energy into the country.
The marketing department has continued to break new grounds, as seen by a successful new kit launch early this month, with high sales also recorded for last season’s kits. Marketing Director Jessica Motaung has promised record-breaking sales with this season’s kit. Their first league game is away to Marumo Gallants in Bloemfontein on September 14 at 15:00.
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