Kaizer Chiefs have been linked to several high-profile players over the past year, but despite their efforts, they have struggled to finalize many of these moves.
While the club has brought in eight new players, only Gaston Sirino can be considered a true quality addition to the squad. Coach Nasreddine Nabi himself acknowledged that the team still lacks the necessary quality to compete for top honors in South African football.
Here’s a look at some of the standout players that Kaizer Chiefs failed to sign in the last 12 months:
The Bafana Bafana winger was heavily linked with a move to Naturena, but he ultimately left Sekhukhune United for Tunisian giants Esperance. Chiefs’ hopes of landing Mokwana were dashed as the player moved abroad.
The 26-year-old forward came extremely close to joining Kaizer Chiefs, with the deal just a few minutes away from being finalized. However, Algerian club CR Belouizdad swooped in at the last minute, securing Mayo for a significant transfer fee before Chiefs could complete the transfer.
Another player who could have strengthened Chiefs’ midfield was former Bafana Bafana star Bongani Zungu. Zungu was seen as an ideal fit for Nabi’s squad, but Chiefs opted not to pursue him further. The midfielder eventually joined AmaZulu, much to the disappointment of many Chiefs supporters.
The left-back from Stellenbosch FC is regarded as one of the best in the country and would have been a valuable addition to Chiefs’ defense. In fact, Basadien was seen as a versatile option, capable of filling both left-back and left-wing positions. Although Chiefs made a bid for him, Stellenbosch rejected the offer, and it appears that Amakhosi did not return with an improved proposal, missing out on the talented full-back.
While Chiefs have signed several players this season, the inability to secure some of these top targets highlights the challenges they face in the transfer market. As the team continues to rebuild, it remains to be seen if they can secure higher-quality signings moving forward.
