Why Kaizer Chiefs’ summer gamble is paying off

2 Views

While Kaizer Chiefs’ predicament hasn’t subsided since last season’s debacle, their summer window spending spree is starting to show promising results, insinuating a bright chapter on the horizon.

Key signings

The AmaKhosi faithful shouldn’t get ahead of themselves, but the early signs look good. Thabo Cele and Glody Lilepo continue to make strides in an otherwise lacklustre Chiefs team.

Both have picked up Man of the Match awards; Cele earned his in last weekend’s four-goal thriller against Stellenbosch, while Lilepo got his against Magesi a week before.

Question marks surround the summer signing of Tashreeq Morris, who has failed to find the back of the net in his first five games. Clubs don’t always get it right; just ask Manchester United.

One could argue that the arrival of Lilepo and Cele has done little to Kaizer Chiefs’ positioning on the log, and they’re right, but one can’t ignore their talents and what they bring to the side.

Cele, steeped in European experience, oozes composure and quality, able to halt the opposition’s attack and find gaps all over the park. Then there’s number 99, Lilepo.

The Congolese international has instilled some grit into the frontline, hassling defenders and working hard off the ball – he’s not scared to run his heart out, stretching the defensive line to provide space for others.

Kaizer Chiefs may lie eighth on the log, 37 points behind Mamelodi Sundowns, but they look likely to make a late run for African qualification via a third-place finish.

Nasreddine Nabi’s side has won four out of their last six games, and as this newly assembled team begins to gel, the sky is the limit for the Glamour Boys.