Kaizer Chiefs are keeping a close and watchful eye on Mamelodi Sundowns, as the Tshwane giants have several experienced and influential players whose contracts are set to expire in June. The likes of Themba Zwane, Peter Shalulile, and Khuliso Mudau are all well-established figures in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and are considered key components of Sundowns’ success over the years. With their contracts running out at the end of the season, there’s growing speculation about where these seasoned players will land next, and Kaizer Chiefs, known for swooping in for out-of-contract Sundowns stars, will undoubtedly be looking to capitalize on this opportunity.
The situation at Sundowns is further compounded by the fact that head coach Miguel Cardoso is looking to trim his roster significantly. Sundowns currently have a bloated squad of 40 players, which has become increasingly difficult for the coach to manage effectively. Despite the club’s busy schedule and participation in various competitions, Cardoso feels that having such a large group of players is unsustainable. According to reports, the coach is keen to reduce the squad size to a more manageable 25 players, or at most, 30 if the club wants to retain a larger pool of players.
The source close to Sundowns revealed Cardoso’s stance, explaining that controlling and keeping all 40 players satisfied, especially with the number of games the team plays, is a challenge. The coach is convinced that a squad of 25 outfield players, with three or four goalkeepers, would be ideal for rotation and competition for places. By doing so, Sundowns could operate with three strong teams instead of the current set-up, which resembles having four teams of players, a structure that is simply too cumbersome. The Sporting Director and the club’s management are reportedly on board with this plan, indicating that changes are imminent.
For Kaizer Chiefs, this situation presents an enticing opportunity. The thought of acquiring experienced, high-quality players like Zwane, Shalulile, and Mudau on free transfers is bound to be a tempting prospect. Chiefs are in need of reinforcements, particularly in areas where Sundowns’ players excel, and the potential availability of these stars could be a game-changer for the club’s future plans. As the end of the season draws closer, all eyes will be on how Sundowns manages their squad and whether Chiefs will be able to secure these sought-after players who are known for their leadership and ability to perform at the highest level in the PSL.
With both teams playing at the top of South African football, the prospect of these players making a switch to Chiefs would certainly be a huge talking point in the local football scene, and Kaizer Chiefs fans will be hoping the club can take advantage of the situation to strengthen their squad for the upcoming seasons.
