'That's very true' - Kaizer Chiefs eye promising talent dubbed ‘next Old John Mabizela’ to bolster Nasreddine Nabi’s defence as defender's current club confirms Amakhosi interest

Kaizer Chiefs’ Thabo Cele and Orlando Pirates’ Thalente Mbatha recently hosted a joint tournament in their hometown of KwaMashu, Durban, creating a platform for local talent to shine in front of scouts. 

Among the standout performers was 21-year-old central defender Siyanda Khumalo, who is believed to have caught the eye of Chiefs’ scouts. 

"He is a young defender who plays for Inanda Real Stars. It's believed that Kaizer Chiefs scouts were happy with him and they want him to join pre-season training for one week before they can make their final decision on him. But they are apparently very happy with him so far," the first source told Soccer Laduma.

A second insider spoke out to the publication, saying, “He is good. He reminds you of former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana defender Mbulelo "Old John" Mabizela. Baroka FC and Black Leopards also enquired about him after the tournament. But it seems Chiefs are in the forefront at the moment.”

"That's very true. All the three clubs in Kaizer Chiefs, Baroka FC and Black Leopards have enquired about him. And there is a well-known KZN based scout who was also there and recommended the player to other clubs as well,” Inanda Real Stars coach Khumbulani Msomi confirmed to Soccer Laduma.

“I can tell you he is a very young centre-back who has a great future. Personally I would advise him to start at a lower club, gain experience and join Chiefs maybe next season. But if Chiefs finally sign him even this season he can still play," Msomi concluded.

Nasreddine Nabi’s side is undergoing a rebuild following a disappointing 2024-25 campaign that saw Chiefs finish outside the top eight.

The club has already released Edmilson Dove, Sabelo Radebe and Ranga Chivaviro, while choosing not to extend Njabulo Blom’s loan spell.

Reports also suggest that midfielder Mduduzi Mdantsane could be on his way out, despite still having a year remaining on his contract.

While Chiefs are actively looking to bring new players into the squad, they are also preparing for their pre-season tour of the Netherlands from 3 to 19 July. 

During the tour, they are scheduled to face Eredivisie side FC Utrecht and five-time KNVB Cup finalists NEC Nijmegen.