Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane has hinted at more transfers ahead of the 2022/23 DStv Premiership season.
Chiefs have already signed three players as they look to stake a challenge for the league title next season.
Amakhosi have fallen far behind Mamelodi Sundowns, who enjoy a 22-point gap ahead of them with seven matches remaining in the 2022/23 DStv Premiership season.
With Mduduzi Mdantsane to Chiefs from Cape Town City a done deal, Chiefs followed up with the capture of TS Galaxy captain Given Msimango.
DEFENSIVE ACQUISITIONS
Msimango signed a four-year deal, while another defensive acquisition – Botswana captain Thatayaone Ditlhokwe – was announced in January.
“As a club, there are players that were identified that we want to bring on board. The team is still dealing with that to ensure we get all the players identified by the technical team,” Zwane said.
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Chiefs are looking to sign a left-back with the future of Sifiso Hlanti uncertain.
26-year-old Simba SC left-back Mohammed Hussein is a prime target for Amakhosi. The Taifa Stars defender is out of contract in June, and Chiefs could land him for free.
Defensive midfield is another position they want to address, and they have identified Luke Le Roux, Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Edson Castillo.
Le Roux plays his football in Sweden for Varbergs BoIS and is out of contract in November.
KHAMA BILLIAT ON HIS WAY OUT
Mthethwa will have a year left on his Stellenbosch FC deal come end of the season, while Castillo, the Venezuelan who turns out for Monagas SC in his native country, is contracted to the club until next year.
The other position the coaches have picked is in attack, with Khama Billiat on his way out of the club.
Cape Town Spurs and national Under 23 forward Ashley Cupido is the man they are eyeing. The 21-year-old winger has scored 14 goals this season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Chiefs are not alone in pursuing the youth international, with Orlando Pirates rumoured to be keen on him.
Meanwhile, Zwane also added that he intended to bring in more players from the club’s youth structures.
The academy trio of Mduduzi Shabalala, Samkelo Zwane and Wandile Duba have had a fair share of action in the senior team this season.
ARTHUR ZWANE TO GIVE YOUNGSTERS A CHANCE
Shabalala has played 11 times and scored two goals this season, also providing an assist.
“The opportunity is there for them [academy players]. It’s all up to them. They’ll be given the opportunity if they grab it with both hands.
“It’s good for the club. We’re more than willing to do that because it’s part of our job, and yeah, what is key is to get the rhythm and find the right balance,” said Zwane.
Chiefs will push for a second-place finish to play CAF Champions League football next season.
Seven games are left before the season’s end, and they are in third place behind SuperSport United.
They have won 11, drawn four and lost eight, collecting 37 points as they face Stellenbosch FC on Saturday, 1 April 2023, at the FNB Stadium. Kick-off is at 17h30.