REVEALED: The key positions where Chiefs are in ‘talks with top talents’

There is no doubt that Chiefs are clearly making some ambitious moves in the transfer market in the off-season, and the likes of Zitha Kwinika, Ashley du Preez and Siyethemba Sithebe are all on their way to Naturena. And more is to come.

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Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr has confirmed that the club has some serious ambitions, and revealed where they would be strengthening the squad.

“We are going to be making drastic changes next season. The structure will be different, but a very exciting one. Up front is a must-sign position; we’ll be going all out to make sure we bring joy and happiness to the Amakhosi faithful.

“We are in talks with top talents in that position to strengthen the department as we want to be a strong offensive-minded team come next season.

“In the midfield, we’ll beef up the department also; we need confident ballplayers who are technically sound players.

“We brought in players in defence like Njabulo Ngcobo [at the beginning of the season], but we’ll make some adjustments and changes there also.”

The Chiefs continued to confirm a complete clear-out of surplus requirements at Naturena on Wednesday, with Amakhosi parting ways with no fewer than seven players and a member of their technical team.

However, by opening up all five foreign spots, Chiefs are almost certainly set to bring in some some sought-after internationals, with Democratic Republic of Congo midfielder Fabrice Ngoma reportedly offered to Amakhosi as a free agent, according to SABC Sport.

Meanwhile, Amakhosi have reportedly reignited interest in recruiting former SA youth international Thabo Cele, who currently plays for Polish side Radomiak Radom.

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Cele has previously been spoken of as a sought-after recruit for Chiefs, particularly when he was a free agent last year. However, he ended up making the move to Radomiak on a two-year deal in October 2021.

Nevertheless, it’s reported by Soccer Laduma that Chiefs may have launched a €100 000 (±R1.67m) bid to try and lure him back to South Africa, although Polish journalist Szymon Janczyk reports that Radomiak are keen to retain the services of Cele, who remains part of coach Mariusz Lewandowski’s plans.

Plenty of attention has been focused on Chiefs’ current recruitment drive

Meanwhile, Sekhukhune United club captain Yusuf Maart, who was believed to be a key target for Chiefs, is not expected to make the move.

Some reports suggested that the offer for Maart was likely to be accepted by Sekhukhune United, but CEO Jonas Malatji has now told SowetanLive that he expects Maart to stay with the club because the offers that have come through are not good enough.

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“Yusuf isn’t going as things stand. Remember, I am not a selling team. If you really need my player, when I say give me one cent you must give me that one cent… don’t say you’re going to give me half cent,” Malatji explained.

“Yes, I have been approached by a few clubs, unfortunately I won’t reveal their names, but the figures they tell me about don’t even come close to what I am asking for.”

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