Glody Lilepo, Njabulo Blom, Thabo Cele and the rest of Kaizer Chiefs 2024/25 transfer business ranked

The Glamour Boys secured the left-back from their Soweto arch-rivals, Orlando Pirates, for an undisclosed fee in July 2024 as part of their squad overhaul under coach Nasreddine Nabi.  

However, Sam has yet to make an official appearance in the famous Black and Gold, and appears to be out of favour with the technical team.  

During the January transfer window, the club explored options to offload him, but a proposed loan move to Magesi fell through. In the aftermath, reports have surfaced indicating that Chiefs are considering releasing him permanently at the end of the season. While the 27-year-old remains under contract until June 2027, his future at Naturena looks increasingly uncertain.

Cross, who joined Chiefs from Golden Arrows, has had a rough time finding his form. His underperformance has led to calls for the club to reassess his role within the team. With fans constantly expressing their frustration on social media. 

His ability to handle pressure and contribute defensively has been questioned, and it appears as though the decision to rotate him out signals that he has not made the impact expected from his signing. 

After signing a four-year deal with Amakhosi in July 2024, Ntwari initially featured prominently under Nabi. However, he has since fallen down the pecking order, now playing third fiddle to Bruce Bvuma and Brandon Petersen.

While his club opportunities have dwindled, Ntwari remains a key figure for the Rwandan national team, delivering impressive performances in the Fifa World Cup qualifiers. Also, his consistent displays at the national team level have caught the attention of clubs in Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia and in the PSL. Unless he can force his way back into contention at Chiefs, his future at the club remains uncertain and a potential exit may be the best option for both parties.

Blom’s return to Chiefs on a season-long loan from Major League Soccer side St. Louis City was met with major excitement, as the midfielder had blossomed into one of the finest South African talents. 

His game time has raised concerns about his role in the squad, with reports suggesting that his lack of match fitness upon arrival due to the different football calendar in the United States has been a factor. With the season progressing, question marks remain over whether Blom can rediscover his best form and justify the excitement surrounding his return.

Morris has shown promise since his move from SuperSport United. However, his impact has been gradual, and he has yet to truly break into the starting lineup consistently. 

While he has displayed some quality, Morris is still finding his feet in Chiefs’ setup. The striker’s movement off the ball and his ability to get into dangerous areas have been noticeable, but he has yet to produce the consistent results required to earn the respect of the Amakhosi faithful. 

Sirino is undoubtedly a talented player, but his occasional confrontations during matches have raised concerns about his behaviour. 

His flair and creativity are undeniable, but his lack of discipline on the pitch has been a constant issue. Chiefs have had to balance his talent with the disruptive impact he sometimes has in matches. While his skills are valuable, his on-field conduct has overshadowed his potential to make a positive impact.

The former Cape Town Spurs defender has unfortunately undergone knee surgery, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. However, his performances since joining the club have been commendable. 

In times of pressure, Dortley rises to the occasion. At just 22, he has already displayed a remarkable fighting spirit, which is crucial for the team going forward.

Despite a rocky start at Chiefs, where a high number of yellow cards led to a suspension and a sending-off after just six games, the passionate Angolan has quickly established himself as a key player.

The 29-year-old has impressed with his versatility, and his leadership qualities have also stood out, with him captaining the side on a few occasions.

Chiefs' January signing has wasted no time in settling in, quickly finding his rhythm and cementing his place in the squad with a string of impressive performances. Since joining from Russian side Fakel Voronezh, the midfielder has seamlessly adapted to the team’s style of play and embraced the club’s culture.

Cele signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with an optional one-year extension, signalling the club’s long-term faith in his abilities. His strong displays and unwavering commitment have made him a key figure in Chiefs' midfield, with his passion and work ethic aligning perfectly with the club’s ambitions.

It’s been a while since a new signing has had an instant impact like Lilepo at Chiefs. Since his arrival from Valenciennes FC, he has shown his attacking flair and creativity. His standout performance in Chiefs’ 1-0 victory over Magesi, where he was named Man of the Match, highlighted his ability to create chances and be a consistent attacking threat.

Lilepo has injected much-needed dynamism into Chiefs’ offence, offering the unpredictability and creativity that has often been missing from their attacking play in recent seasons.