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Flavio Silva, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage
Celine Abrahams

‘People think that all strikers need to be like Thierry Henry or Robert Lewandowski’ – Kaizer Chiefs back Flavio Silva, highlighting his goal-poaching ability amid criticism

The ex-Persebaya Surabaya striker has come under heavy criticism on social media, sparking debate over his ability to lead Amakhosi’s frontline.

  • Critics hit out to Silva
  • Kaze speaks out 

  • The assistant coach backs the striker  

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  • Flavio Silva, Kaizer ChiefsKaizer Chiefs

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Flavio Silva joined Kaizer Chiefs from Indonesia in the offseason on a two-year deal running until 30 June 2027, with an option for a further year. 

    The 29-year-old travelled with the team on their Netherlands tour, where his performances drew heavy criticism. Matters didn’t improve upon their return to South Africa, as Amakhosi suffered defeat in the Toyota Cup.   

    Despite the growing scrutiny, Silva has received the backing of Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze.  


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  • Nasreddine Nabi and Cedric Kaze, Kaizer ChiefsBackpage

    WHAT KAZE SAID?

    “I don’t really want to go long with personal matters of players, we are here to talk about the game tomorrow, which is very important but I will give you some facts,” Kaze told the media.  

    “He is a player that trains very well, a player that scores goals at training and a player that maybe people think that all strikers need to be like Thierry Henry or (Robert) Lewandowski or have skills like dribbling but he is a different performer, it’s a different profile.  

    “He is a player that is in the box, that when there are crosses, you will find him there. When there is a rebound in the box, you will find him there. When there is a shot, you will find him there. He is a player that has tremendous presence in the box and we need players like that,” he concluded.  

  • Nasreddine Nabi, Flavio Silva, Ethan Chislett, Nkanyiso Shinga & Thabiso Monyane of Kaizer Chiefs 16-9GOAL GFX

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The Portuguese striker netted an impressive 23 goals last season for Indonesian side Persebaya Surabaya, raising expectations for a fast start at Chiefs.  

    However, with no immediate impact so far, the spotlight now falls on what he can produce as the domestic season gathers pace. 

  • Flavio Silva, Kaizer ChiefsKaizer Chiefs

    WHAT’S NEXT FOR SILVA?

    Silva missed Chiefs’ opening Premier Soccer League match against Stellenbosch, which the team won 2-0, due to delays with his work permit.

    Kaze confirmed that only Ethan Chislett is available for selection in their upcoming midweek clash against Polokwane City on Wednesday, 13 August, as his paperwork has now been finalised, meaning Silva and fellow new signing Nkanyiso Shinga are still waiting for their clearance.  

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