Kaizer Chiefs transfer season guide: Motaung Jr must open the cheque book for Nasreddine Nabi in quest for stars like Fiston Mayele & ex-Orlando Pirates duo Paseka Mako & Thabiso Monyane - but some Fiacre Ntwari & others must go!

Fiston Mayele has truly showcased his exceptional talent and unwavering character on the grand stages of the Caf Champions League, delivering clutch performances against PSL heavyweights like Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. His brilliance hasn’t gone unnoticed, with Chiefs reportedly eyeing him as a prime target, though they might have to dig deep into their pockets to secure his signature.

Beyond bolstering the attack with players like Mayele, Chiefs face an urgent need to reinforce their last line of defense. In the recent season, goalkeepers Brandon Petersen, Fiacre Ntwari, and Bruce Bvuma were all given opportunities to prove themselves but, unfortunately, none could claim the mantle of reliability.

Ntwari, who arrived amid high expectations from TS Galaxy, to lock down the No.1 jersey, failed to live up to the hype, highlighting the glaring vulnerability in the goalkeeping department. Chiefs must look beyond their current roster and pursue a keeper with the caliber and presence reminiscent of club legends like Itumeleng Khune, Brian Baloyi, or Rowen Fernandez. This quest might even require casting a wide net across Africa, hunting for a young, gifted goalkeeper ready to shine on the big stage.

The midfield remains a pressing challenge for Amakhosi. Once, the Chiefs midfield was dominated by stalwarts such as Thabo Mooki, Tinashe Nengomashe, George Maluleka, and Reneilwe Letsholonyane — true legends who dictated play with authority. Since their distinct eras, Amakhosi have struggled to find worthy successors, with players like Siphelele Ntshangase, Siyethemba Sithebe, and Cole Alexander failing to fill those big shoes.

Today, the midfield features Edson Castillo, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, captain Yusuf Maart, and the recently recruited Thabo Cele. While decent, this group falls short of the historic Chiefs standard, with only Cele warranting the benefit of the doubt given his short time at the club.

Chiefs will need to strengthen this crucial area by bringing in two new midfielders — one a seasoned anchor who can stabilize the engine room, and another a raw talent bursting with potential. The striking department also requires urgent attention. After releasing Ranga Chivaviro and signing Tashreeq Morris in January, whose injury issues and adaptation struggles have become a concern, Chiefs must seek a reliable, consistent goalscorer. Ashley Cupido, the former NFD top goal-getter, could be a promising option to fill this void.

Fiarce Ntwari - Goalkeeper (25)

Zitha Kwinika - Defender (31)

Happy Mashiane - Defender (27)

Tebogo Potsane - Winger (31)

Nkosingiphile Ngcobo - Midfielder (25)

Sipho Mbule: 'Master Chef', currently on his way out of Sundowns after a loan spell with Sekhukhune United and whets the appetite of Chiefs fans.

Paseka Mako: The diminutive defender was released by Soweto rivals Pirates and understood to be flirting with Chiefs, even though there is a general holdback.

Fazwaaz Basadien: Currently the senior player of Stellenbosch and has been involved with Bafana.

Keletso Makgalwa: The PSL kingmaker with the most assists in the PSL last term, is in the books of Sekhukhune, but he is rumoured to have bid farewell to his teammates.

Fiston Mayele: The king of Pyramids led the Egyptian side to their maiden Champions League final, being instrumental against the Buccaneers and Sundowns.

Ashley Cupido: The livewire of Stellenbosch has recently scored for Bafana in a friendly with Mozambique and could do the world of good for Chiefs woes up front.

Thabiso Monyane: The defender was released by Pirates and is expected to resurface at Naturena.

Youth talent remains a vital lifeline for Chiefs, and several promising youngsters are knocking on the door of opportunity. Wandisile Duba, trusted as the main striker at some point last term, has unfortunately faded from view after an early-season injury.

Duba now faces the challenge of proving himself as a reliable goal-getter once again. Mduduzi Shabalala, who just made his full Bafana debut, has potential that is evident, but his versatility is also his challenge; he must settle on a single position and master it, rather than spreading himself too thin. Mfundo Vilakazi, a member of the Bafana Cosafa Cup team and part of the victorious Under-20 Afcon squad, started the season brightly but has since struggled for consistency.

Vilakazi needs to seize the moment and become a dependable force. Finally, Samkelo Zwane has the physicality and skill to become the midfield enforcer and playmaker Chiefs so desperately need, but he must assert himself and fight to secure a regular starting spot, or risk being overlooked.

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