Today’s Kaizer Chiefs news wrap looks at a new defensive prodigy, a popular player on the transfer list and R40 million flushed down the drain.
Kaizer Chiefs news: 17 December 2024
Chiefs to promote Timba
According to Soccer-Laduma, Chiefs expect big things from 17-year-old Sfiso Timba. The Glamour Boys consider right-back a problem position. Neither Dillan Solomons nor Reeve Frosler have made the position their own this season.
Kwinika leaving in January
According to The Citizen, Zitha Kwinika is leaving Chiefs as soon as January. The 30-year-old has been an unused substitute in Chiefs’ last two clashes; a 2-0 loss to Polokwane and a 1-1 draw with TS Galaxy. He’s yet to make an appearance in the 2024-2025 campaign. The former Stelleies star joined Chiefs in 2022 for a second stint at the club. Kwinika is a youth product of the Naturena club.
Du Preez bag was fumbled at Kaizer Chiefs
According to Soccer-Laduma, Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes made an offer in the region of €2m (R40 million) for Ashley Du Preez. However, Chiefs couldn’t entertain offers for the former Stellies man before they could sign suitable replacements for the star.
Mdu Shabalala supported Orlando Pirates
20-year-old Kaizer Chiefs Mduduzi Shabalala revealed he grew up supporting Orlando Pirates but says now he will “die a Chiefs fan”.
The youth development talent is already a part of the furniture at the club. ‘Mdu’ worshipped former Pirates forward Thembinkosi Lorch growing up in an all-Pirates household.
Shabalala recalls the first Soweto Derby he attended in “about 2019 or 2020 where Chiefs were leading 1-0 and Lorch equalised after a pass from Ben Motshwari”.
Nabi makes a transfer request
Speaking to the media in his post-match presser, Nasreddine Nabi implored his board to chase and sign better quality in the imminent January transfer window.
What Chiefs might be missing
In goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, central defensive prodigy Rushwin Dortley, playmaker Mduduzi Shabalala, tricky winger Mfundo Vilakazi and classy ball player Samkelo Zwane, Chiefs have the building blocks for an excellent side. 22-year-old Dortley has acclimatized to the pressure and demands of top-flight football with consummate ease. He’s also a regular starter for Bafana Bafana. 20-year-old Mduduzi Shabalala struggled with inconsistency and a lack of game time during patches of 2023-2024 but this campaign has seen him come into his own in the number 10 role. With three goals and an assist in nine games in the league, he’s one of Chiefs’ most productive players. Like Dortley, he’s been an ever-present. Central midfielder Zwane has the tools to be a top-class operator too, provided he improves his defensive work and positioning off the ball. So, what’s missing?
What do Chiefs need to do in the upcoming January window?
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