Kaizer Chiefs are making significant strides in their efforts to strengthen their squad, with the club now reportedly close to finalizing the signing of DR Congo striker Makabi Glody Lilepo. The 27-year-old forward, who has been plying his trade in France’s Ligue 2 with Valenciennes, has agreed to personal terms with Amakhosi, and it is expected that he will soon make the move to the South African giants.
This move comes after a period of intense negotiations between the two parties, with Soccer Laduma confirming that discussions have been ongoing for some time. Initially, Lilepo was reportedly reluctant to leave Europe, where he had hoped to continue his career. However, it seems that Kaizer Chiefs have now convinced the striker to make the move to the PSL, and terms have been agreed upon. The Soweto giants are believed to have offered around R9.6 million (approximately €500,000) for the player’s services, a fee that Valenciennes are reportedly willing to accept.
Lilepo has enjoyed a successful season with Valenciennes, scoring four goals and providing one assist in 14 appearances across all competitions. His performances in Ligue 2, as well as his impressive record in the CAF Champions League, have made him one of the standout players in his position this season. His ability to play both as a central striker and on the wing gives him versatility, something that Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi will surely appreciate as he looks to enhance the attacking options available to him.
For Kaizer Chiefs, securing Lilepo represents a significant move in their ongoing efforts to bolster their attacking options. So far this season, Amakhosi have struggled with goal-scoring consistency, with only Ranga Chivaviro and Ashley Du Preez filling the forward positions. Both players have shown flashes of promise but have failed to deliver on a regular basis, making the arrival of a proven goal-scorer like Lilepo a priority for the club’s leadership.
While Chiefs have seen some improvement under Nabi, their performance in the Betway Premiership has been inconsistent, and they currently find themselves in sixth place in the league standings. With a number of crucial fixtures ahead, including the second half of the season and potential continental competition, strengthening their attack has become a top priority. Lilepo’s signing would add the necessary depth and firepower to the squad, allowing Chiefs to compete more effectively for silverware in both domestic and international competitions.
In addition to the potential acquisition of Lilepo, Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly preparing for some player exits as they continue to restructure their squad. Two players, Mduduzi Mdantsane and Zitha Kwinika, are believed to be on their way out of the club after struggling to secure regular game time under Nabi. Both players have been linked with a move to PSL rivals AmaZulu FC, and reports suggest that Chiefs are looking to sell them for a combined R20 million. This would free up space in the squad and potentially provide the funds for more signings, ensuring that Chiefs can further strengthen their team ahead of the remainder of the season.
Mdantsane, a talented midfielder, and Kwinika, a solid central defender, have been unable to break into the first team on a consistent basis, despite their experience and ability. Chiefs have a number of players in similar positions, and with their focus on revitalizing the squad and pushing for better results, the club appears ready to part ways with these two players. Selling them for a combined R20 million would help Kaizer Chiefs fund their next moves in the transfer market, which could include additional reinforcements in other areas of the team.
With the addition of Lilepo, along with potential further signings, Kaizer Chiefs are looking to strengthen their squad for a more competitive second half of the season. The club is clearly aiming to challenge for the top spots in the league and improve their performance in cup competitions, and they know that bolstering their attack is essential to achieving those goals. Fans will be hoping that Lilepo’s arrival can help provide the spark needed to elevate the team’s performance and push them closer to the silverware that they so desperately crave.
In conclusion, Kaizer Chiefs’ pursuit of Makabi Glody Lilepo is a clear indication that they are serious about improving their squad and making a push for success in the second half of the season. With Lilepo’s experience, versatility, and impressive goal-scoring record, he could prove to be the missing piece in Amakhosi’s attack. As the club continues to reshape its squad with new signings and potential departures, the upcoming months could be pivotal in determining whether Kaizer Chiefs can return to their former glory.
