Kaizer Chiefs set to raid Chippa United for star defender in major squad overhaul.
The Glamour Boys are gearing up for a major defensive shake-up at the end of the season, targeting fresh talent to strengthen their backline, and Chippa United’s standout central defender Thabo Makhele has landed firmly on their radar.
After a turbulent campaign where Amakhosi already bolstered their defense with new signings, the club is preparing for another wave of changes. Chiefs insiders have confirmed that management intends to offload several current defenders while actively pursuing key reinforcements to stabilize the squad ahead of next season.
Chiefs zero in on Thabo Makhele
Among the top targets is 30-year-old Lesotho international Thabo Makhele, a defensive rock for Chippa United throughout the 2024/2025 season. Chiefs have reportedly monitored Makhele closely and initiated contact with Chippa to explore the possibility of securing his services.
“As much as they are looking at the attacking department, they also want to strengthen the defence as they haven’t yet replaced TT (Ditlhokwe) and they are also looking at releasing other defenders as well. So they have been monitoring Thabo Makhele from Chippa United. He is experienced and very solid. He would really help the team if they are to fight for trophies next season and as they will be playing in Africa. So that’s one of the reasons they have been monitoring and have enquired about him,” the source revealed.
Makhele has delivered rock-solid performances across 26 matches in all competitions this season. Which proves his adaptability under multiple coaching changes at Chippa. His resilience and consistency have not gone unnoticed at Naturena.
Full-scale rebuild in the works
This move signals a deeper transformation within the Chiefs’ setup. Sources close to the club suggest that head coach Nasreddine Nabi is driving the overhaul to shape a squad that reflects his tactical vision.
“They are looking at revamping and overhauling the squad next season. It’s believed that the coach wants to build a squad which will be like his own with the players he is recommending. So with them targeting Thabo Makhele they are also looking at releasing some as well,” another insider explained.
Makhele’s experience could be key to trophy ambitions
As Kaizer Chiefs prepare for next season, the technical team views Makhele’s experience as a vital asset. With trophies in sight and pressure mounting, the club is betting on battle-tested players who can deliver immediately.
Fans can expect a flurry of moves once the transfer window opens. But the pursuit of Thabo Makhele may be the clearest sign yet that Amakhosi are serious about returning to the top.
Stay tuned with The South African as Kaizer Chiefs set to raid Chippa United for star.
Will Makhele be the kind of signing that the supporters would want?
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.
