Kaizer Chiefs are gearing up to promote at least two of their talented academy players to the senior team.
After making only three signings during the January transfer window, the Soweto giants are reportedly planning to elevate Naledi Hlongwane and Siphesihle Tati to the first team.
According to Soccer Laduma, the promotion of Hlongwane is already in motion and expected to happen in the coming weeks. An insider shared, “The promotion process is as good as done. They’ve already assigned him jersey number 35, and he traveled with the team to Durban for the match against Sekhukhune United. There was some anticipation that he would play, but that decision was altered last minute.”
As for Hlongwane’s contract, it’s said to be an initial three-year deal with the senior team, running until June 2028. This move signals that Chiefs are giving the young talent a serious opportunity to prove himself at the top level.
Regarding Tati, Soccer Laduma reports that Kaizer Chiefs are convinced he is an ideal fit for the team. Although the club had initially been looking to sign another attacking midfielder, scouts and the youth development staff have recommended promoting Tati instead, citing his understanding of the club’s culture and ability to seamlessly integrate with the first team. It’s still unclear whether Tati will be promoted in the second half of this season or for the next one.
Both players are expected to be offered three-year contracts, with Chiefs confident in their potential to contribute to the team’s success. The club is placing a lot of trust in their academy products as they look to the future.
