Kaizer Chiefs have officially secured the signing of striker Tashreeq Morris from SuperSport United, but the decision has sparked mixed reactions from the club’s fanbase. Despite being a well-known name in South African football, many supporters are questioning whether the 30-year-old will be able to make an immediate impact at Amakhosi, especially after a relatively modest season at SuperSport.
Morris, who joined SuperSport United from Cape Town City, has only managed to score two goals this season. This has raised concerns, particularly as Kaizer Chiefs’ attack has been struggling to find the back of the net, with their own forwards failing to deliver consistent performances. Many fans are asking how a player who has been underwhelming in front of goal can change the fortunes of a team that desperately needs a striker to step up.
However, one of Chiefs’ greatest legends, Doctor Khumalo, has urged patience and cautioned against rushing to judgment. Khumalo, who enjoyed a successful career at the club, believes that it’s too early to write off Morris, suggesting that the striker could yet surprise fans and prove to be a valuable signing as the season progresses.
Speaking on SABC’s Soccerzone, Khumalo said, “I’d like to believe that we don’t have to be harsh. We need to consider the journey of the boy and understand that he might not have had the best start. But that doesn’t mean he won’t make it. He could surprise us all.” Khumalo went on to draw attention to the fact that many players who were once written off have later gone on to achieve success. For example, he mentioned Thalente Mbatha, who made a move from SuperSport United to Orlando Pirates and is now playing regularly for the national team. This was a clear example of how a change in environment can lead to new opportunities, and Khumalo believes Morris could do the same.
Khumalo also highlighted Morris’ playing style, suggesting that he has qualities that could make him a good fit for Kaizer Chiefs. “I like him because he is an outright striker. He keeps his game simple, doesn’t try to complicate things,” Khumalo explained. “What’s important is that he needs the right support. A striker cannot perform if they don’t have the players around him to deliver the right service. If you’re not providing him with the right balls, then what’s the use of signing a striker?” Khumalo emphasized that for Morris to succeed at Chiefs, the team needs to ensure they create the right chances for him to finish.
This thoughtful perspective from Khumalo reflects a level-headed approach to the signing, focusing on the potential Morris has and the role that the rest of the team will play in his success. It’s clear that Khumalo believes that there’s more to Morris than his recent form suggests, and that he might be able to contribute positively to Chiefs’ attacking options in the second half of the season.
While Khumalo’s comments provide some hope, not all fans share his optimism. There is widespread skepticism surrounding Morris’ ability to turn things around at Kaizer Chiefs, especially considering his underwhelming tally at SuperSport. Chiefs fans are understandably concerned, as the team has struggled with a lack of firepower upfront for a while now. With the likes of Khama Billiat and others failing to deliver consistently, the pressure on any new arrival in the striker role is immense.
Despite the mixed reactions, the deal has already been finalized. While Kaizer Chiefs have not yet officially unveiled Morris as their new signing, it was confirmed by SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt that the 30-year-old forward has made the move to Chiefs in a swap deal that also involved Christian Saile. Saile, who had been with Chiefs for a short time, is set to join SuperSport United as part of the agreement, adding another layer of intrigue to the transfer.
This swap deal represents a significant change for both players and gives each of them a fresh start at new clubs. For Chiefs, the hope is that Morris can find his rhythm and contribute goals, while Saile will aim to find a place in SuperSport’s squad and perhaps prove his own worth in a different environment.
While the deal is official and Morris is now a Kaizer Chiefs player, the question remains: will he be the striker to solve their scoring problems? Only time will tell, but Doctor Khumalo’s faith in the player suggests that he might be one to watch as the season unfolds. For Chiefs supporters, the hope is that Morris can live up to the expectations and be a key figure in helping the team achieve their goals this season.
