Kaizer Motaung Junior, Football Director of Kaizer Chiefs during the DStv Premiership 2022/23 match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Amakhosi at Loftus. Photo: BackpagePix

How can Chiefs compete with the best? Splash the cash!

Certain football transfer experts have suggested that Chiefs may need to spend up to R100m to still realistically compete with the best.

by Craig Lewis

16-08-2022 15:07

in Premier Soccer League

Kaizer Motaung Junior, Football Director of Kaizer Chiefs during the DStv Premiership 2022/23 match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Amakhosi at Loftus. Photo: BackpagePix

It was a Saturday afternoon to forget for Kaizer Chiefs this past weekend when they were handed a 4-0 hiding by champions Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld.

For Sundowns, it was a massive statement, and the Brazilians continue to set the standard in South African football as they serve as Champions League contenders and perennial PSL winners.

READ | MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ R51 MILLION SIGNING SET TO ARRIVE IN CHLOORKOP

Meanwhile, it’s been a severe trophy drought for a Chiefs squad that last won the Premiership in the 2014-2015 season.

BREAKING | KAIZER CHIEFS REJECT BERNARD PARKER SIGNED BY TS GALAXY

Chiefs have overhauled their squad in hopes of competing for titles this season, but it remains to be seen whether there will be any success in this regard.

As it is, Sundowns have still welcomed key signings to further strengthen their squad, and look pretty unstoppable for now.

READ | MAMELODI SUNDOWNS: END OF THE ROAD FOR R12 MILLION-WORTH STRIKER

According to an interesting report by TimesLive journalist Mahlatse Mphahlele, experts suggest Chiefs may still have to spend R100m to compete with Sundowns.

“Chiefs should have money to go big in the transfer market and rebuild this team because of the many sponsors they have. Unlike most teams, they generate a lot of money from their sponsorships and merchandise sales,” said one of SA’s leading agents, as quoted in the article.

“I have watched with interest the way players have moved in and out at Naturena and they are clearly serious about rebuilding. But, it remains to be seen if players they have brought in so far will significantly improve the team to compete with Sundowns and others,” the agent added.
“I just feel they will have to go back to the transfer market in the January transfer window and add more players to finish the season strong, and with one eye on next season.”

READ | KAIZER CHIEFS PART WAYS WITH BAFANA BAFANA DEFENDER

A similar sentiment seemed to be expressed by one club official: “The harsh reality is that they will have to come up with big money to attract players who will help them compete for trophies for the league domestically and to play Champions League every season.”