Kaizer Motaung welcomes Gonzalez to Naturena in August. Image: @KaizerChiefs / X.

Is Kaizer Chiefs’ recruitment the worst in the PSL?

The Kaizer Chiefs recruitment policy leaves a lot to be desired. For every Castillo, there are unfortunately a few Bimenyimanas.

by James Freemantle

07-11-2023 14:42

in Premier Soccer League

Kaizer Motaung welcomes Gonzalez to Naturena in August. Image: @KaizerChiefs / X.

Fans and pundits were raving about the work Kaizer Chiefs did in the most recent transfer window. Was it that good, though?

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KAIZER CHIEFS GOAL-SHY IN 2022-23

The Glamour Boys scored just 32 goals in 30 league outings last term. That’s not so glamorous. Sure, the strikers need to feed off quality chances and perhaps creativity has also been an issue, but the buck stops with the men up front. In addition, they conceded 33 times, making them the only side in the top six with a negative goal difference in 2022-23. Tall Burundian striker Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana started life well at Naturena but the goals dried up completely at the turn of the year and that spelled the end of his time at the club.

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Kaizer Chiefs Caleb Bimenyimana Naturena — Caleb Bimenyimana of Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

RECRUITMENT FOUND WANTING IN 2023-24

The jury is still out on Christian Saile, although most of his good work comes in wide areas as opposed to through the middle. Then there’s Jasond Gonzalez. The 24-year-old Colombian joined in August on a season-long loan deal. However, his time at Naturena could already be drawing to a close after just six outings in the famous black and gold. He’s yet to score and Chiefs management is entertaining a reported offer from FCSB in Romania.

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Kaizer Chiefs Christian Saile — Christian Saile of Kaizer Chiefs celebrates during the Dstv Premiership 2022/23 match between Kaizer Chiefs and Royal AM at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on 29 January 2023 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

PLAYERS WITH A POINT TO PROVE

Pule Mmodi has started okay, although he’s utilized in a wide role and can’t be assessed as a number 9. Ranga Chivaviro has been injured for the majority of his Chiefs career so we’ll need to see more of him in the side before making judgment. Ashley du Preez, like Mmodi, has shown glimpses of quality but isn’t the man to lead the line. Mduduzi Mdantsana has blown hot and cold, Tebogo Potsane hasn’t shone and Luke Fleurs is untested as yet.

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Pule Mmodi Kaizer Chiefs — Mmodi is Amakhosi’s player of the moment. ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Defensive acquisitions and Castillo are the only saving grace

Venezuelan midfielder Edson Castillo has been a hit with the fans, already scoring four goals for the club. However, his recent spell away with the national team was discouraging as he wasn’t even named on the bench for CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers qualifiers against Brazil and Chile. To be fair to the Chiefs board, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe has looked assured and Spiwe Given Msimango has earned himself a Bafana call-up.