OPINION: The most important transfer window in a decade looms for Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs

IOL News

5 hours ago

Kaizer Jr wants top 8 Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung at a press conference. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Kaizer Chiefs find themselves at the crossroads of revival and regression — and the transfer window ahead could be the difference between staying stuck in the past or finally stepping into a promising future.
With the dust barely settled on their long-awaited Nedbank Cup triumph, Amakhosi must now prove that ending a decade-long trophy drought wasn't a fluke, but the beginning of a new era.
After years of underachievement, finishing well off the pace in the Betway Premiership and cycling through coaches at an alarming rate, Chiefs' decision-makers now have a chance — and the responsibility — to get this one right.
A decade without silverware has taken its toll on the club's stature and shaken the belief of its massive fan base. But the Nedbank Cup win provided a glimmer of hope. Now, the job is to build on it.
The gap between Chiefs and their fiercest rivals — Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates — is glaring. Sundowns have been the undisputed kings of domestic football, while Pirates are building a strong project of their own, having added multiple trophies under former coach José Riveiro.
Chiefs and Dove Part Ways
Kaizer Chiefs and defender Edmilson Dove will part ways when his contract expires at the end of June.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Edmilson for his contributions to the Club and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.#Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/lz7AYH74bZ — Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) June 17, 2025
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Chiefs, meanwhile, have often found themselves playing catch-up — finishing mid-table, out of title races by January, and struggling for consistency across competitions. That narrative must change, and it starts with smart, aggressive recruitment.
For Amakhosi to claw their way into the top two and re-establish themselves as genuine title contenders, the quality of their squad must improve significantly.
Chiefs need players who can thrive under pressure, deliver in big games, and drive the team forward — not just talented individuals, but proven professionals with winning pedigrees.
Already, the club has been linked with several high-profile names — some of them with strong local experience, others with continental pedigree.
The gifted and troubled Sipho Mbule is one of the players on Chiefs' radar as well, bringing creativity and versatility to the midfield but his undeniable disciplinary issues are said to be the stumbling block at the moment.
There's also talk of Stellenbosch FC's sensation Devin Titus, who has had an excellent season in the Winelands and fits the mould of the club's renewed focus on youth with purpose.
Chivaviro Update
Kaizer Chiefs will not be extending striker Ranga Chivaviro's contract when it expires at the end of the month.
We thank Ranga for his positive contribution to the team and wish him all the best in his future exploits.https://t.co/c2TRgGoKA1#Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/8mUwqgZeYh — Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) June 4, 2025