Update: Kaizer Chiefs in advanced talks to sign left-back!
Kaizer Chiefs are looking to undergo a squad rebuild ahead of the next season, after a disappointing previous campaign.
Although they won the Nedbank Cup, Chiefs still failed to finish the season in the top eight positions.
This made it their second time in a row, under a second coach that they failed to qualify for the MTN8. With that, Chiefs are expected to make some big and telling changes to their playing personnel. This in an effort to ensure that they don't find themselves in a similar situation again next season. It is no secret that they are looking to bolster their attack going into next season.
But that is just one department, as they are also intent on adding strength and depth to their defence. One position that is reportedly earmarked for that is the left-back berth. As it stands, Chiefs have Bradley Cross, Happy Mashiane. Edmilson Dove has recently been released while Bongani Sam is tipped to follow.
Although they're set to welcome former Orlando Pirates star Paseka Mako, Chiefs are also in talks with another option. This publication reported earlier this month that they had opened negotiations with Aphiwe Baliti of SuperSport United. Now according to Soccer-Laduma , they're now advancing on that deal!
'Oh yes, the department which deals with recruitment and scouting is happy and they have advanced their approach in the search to sign Aphiwe (Baliti). Apparently, first it was that they were interested but then they had to do analysis and assess the player in their own way to see if he can fit into Kaizer Chiefs' philosophy and style and they apparently believe he can and that's why they are prepared to move to the second step in pursuing his signature,' said the source.
Baliti is only 23 but has experience in the Betway Premiership. Chiefs fans, is he the right player to push Cross, Mako and Mashiane? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
31 minutes ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates in hot pursuit of R20-million Sundowns Bafana star
Orlando Pirates continue to recruit players ahead to the 2025/26 season. More targets are lined up. Orlando Pirates have just signed former Mamelodi Sundowns player Sipho Mbule. However, he is not the only Sundowns star the Bucs are after… Pirates are interested in abother Sundowns player – Neo Maema. 'Yes, the club is believed to have made enquiries about Maema. Actually he was the first one even before Sipho Mbule. It has to be seen what will be the next move because apparently he still has one year on his contract with Sundowns. And Kaizer Chiefs are also believed to be interested in him,' the insider told SNL. So, the Bucs are closely monitoring the Bafana Bafana players situation at Chloorkop. However, they face stiff competition from Soweto rivals, Kaizer Chiefs. 'At the moment the player also seems to he looking at the opportunity of moving away from Sundowns to go and play regularly somewhere. It could be at Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs depending on which club really needs him. But the player apparently just wants to play regularly,' the second source stated. Therefore, this is a golden chance for both Chiefs and Pirates to try and secure Maema's signature. Whoever does sign him will have to dig deep into their pockets. This is because the Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender is valued at over R20 million, according to Transfermark. New Pirates head coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou first official signing was Mbule from Sundowns. Therefore, he could secure two Sundowns stars if Pirates succusfully lure Maema to Mayfair. Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Versatile Sipho Mbule can spark a new era at Orlando Pirates
Sipho Mbule will want to hit the ground running after completing a move to Soweto giants Orlando Pirates. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Comment by Obakeng Meletse Orlando Pirates have sent a strong message to their rivals ahead of the new Premiership season, stepping up their transfer activity in a bid to close the gap on serial champions Mamelodi Sundowns. With their eyes firmly set on the league title, the Buccaneers have made a significant early move in the market by securing the services of former Sundowns midfielder Sipho Mbule – one of the most naturally gifted midfielders in South African football. While Sundowns are proudly flying the South African flag at the Fifa Club World Cup, Pirates are plotting their downfall. The shock signing of Mbule from the Brazilians has not only stunned many, but also signalled that Pirates mean business. Mbule's arrival is more than just a high-profile acquisition – it represents a calculated step towards building a squad capable of dethroning the current champions. Linked in the past with Kaizer Chiefs, Mbule has long been admired for his footballing talent. Despite facing a fair share of off-field challenges, he remains a top-tier player when focused, and it is no surprise that both Chiefs and Pirates were monitoring his availability. 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 ✕ Orlando Pirates is pleased to welcome Sipho Mbule to the Club. ⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) June 24, 2025 Now, Pirates have pulled the trigger, and if Mbule can finally realise his full potential, this could turn out to be one of the most inspired signings of the season. Still only 27, the former SuperSport United midfielder was part of a dominant Sundowns set-up under coach Rulani Mokwena, and enjoyed glimpses of success. However, his recent loan spell at Sekhukhune United ended abruptly, with disciplinary issues once again casting a shadow over his career. The move to Pirates now provides a timely opportunity for a reset – a chance to finally move past those hurdles, and focus on what he does best: playing football. It's a move that aligns perfectly with the new direction at Mayfair, with Pirates set to embark on a fresh chapter under new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. The Moroccan tactician replaces Jose Riveiro, who left after his contract expired at the end of last season. Ouaddou inherits a team with a strong foundation of youth and flair that was built over the last few seasons, and Mbule could be the missing piece in a side on the cusp of real progress. This is arguably the best time to join the Sea Robbers. With a youthful squad already brimming with potential, what the team needed was a touch of finesse, composure and quality in depth – particularly in midfield. 🚨𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒🚨 Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou as Head Coach. Read More : 𝐁𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦 ! ⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) June 23, 2025 And Mbule offers all of that. He has the ability to control the tempo, break down defences with his vision and stay composed under pressure, making him a vital cog in transitions and build-up play. More than his technical skill, it's his versatility that will be of great value to Ouaddou. Whether deployed as a deep-lying playmaker, a central pivot or in a more advanced role, Mbule gives the coach multiple options –something Pirates lacked towards the end of last season, when injuries and fatigue set in. As strange as it may sound considering his recent struggles, Mbule might be exactly the kind of impact player needed to tilt the scales in the title race. But for this move to bear fruit, it all comes down to the player's mindset. If he can finally commit fully to his craft and put distractions behind him, his time at Pirates could mark a major turning point – not only in his own career, but in the Buccaneers' pursuit of long-awaited league glory.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Ouaddou's arrival could open doors for these 5 Pirates players
Orlando Pirates' new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will have the opportunity to assess his squad during the upcoming pre-season. The Buccaneers are set to travel to Spain next month, where they are expected to play several friendly matches against high-profile teams. Last season, the club finished second in the Betway Premiership for the third consecutive time under Jose Riveiro. With Riveiro now gone, there will be new changes within the team and different coaching styles. Some players who did not receive full support from the former coach may find new opportunities to shine under Ouaddou. Here are five Orlando Pirates players who could potentially flourish under the new coach: Karim Kimvuidi The Congolese attacker played only eight league matches last season, as he was underutilized by Riveiro. Whenever he had the chance, he displayed glimpses of brilliance. Now, he has the opportunity to show the new technical team what he can do. Thabiso Lebitso The overlooked right-back is a fan favourite, yet he saw very little game time last season, with only two matches to his name. With Thabiso Monyane leaving the team, he might compete with Deano van Rooyen for a spot next season. Under Ouaddou, the Pirates right-back can finally flourish. Tshegofatso Mabasa The talented striker was not favored by Riveiro. Under the new coach, Mabasa can finally rediscover the form that earned him the Golden Boot two years ago. Sipho Mbule The former Mamelodi Sundowns star recently joined the Buccaneers and has caught Ouaddou's attention, as the coach was instrumental in his transfer to Pirates. He is likely to see more playing time this coming season. Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo The 30-year-old midfielder featured in only six league matches for Pirates last season. With the new technical team, he may be favored and could appear in several matches early in the season. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
