Kaizer Chiefs have made significant changes to their squad ahead of the new Premier Soccer League campaign, with both incoming and outgoing deals reshaping the Amakhosi playing group.
The club also revamped its technical department after bringing back Fernando da Cruz as head coach.
Chiefs finished third in the league last season — their best PSL finish in six years — and the latest transfer activity represents another attempt to strengthen the squad and build on that result.
Fernando da Cruz returns to Kaizer Chiefs
Da Cruz is back in charge of Amakhosi and has arrived with a new-look technical team.
Mahmoud Abbas has joined as assistant coach, while Olivier Sorin takes up the goalkeeper coaching role. Julien le Heran has also joined as the club’s head of sports science and physical performance.
Dillan Sheppard has been added as Da Cruz’s second assistant after previously working within the club’s development structures.
The changes underline Chiefs’ intention to make adjustments both on and off the pitch.
Kaizer Chiefs: Who came in?
Amakhosi added six players during the recently concluded transfer window.
New arrivals:
- Thabo Moloisane
- Renaldo Leaner
- Adolf Bitegeko Mtasingwa
- Khanyisa Mayo
- Langelihle Phili
- Faiz Abrahams
The new arrivals will now compete for places as Chiefs look to improve on their third-place finish from last season.
Who left Kaizer Chiefs?
A number of players departed the club either permanently or as part of the squad reshuffle.
Players who moved out:
- Thabo Cele
- Gastón Sirino
- Aden McCarthy
- Glody Makabi Lilepo
- George Matlou
- Happy Mashiane
- Given Msimango
- Gopolang Taunyane
- Ashley du Preez
- Tashreeq Morris
The departures have created room for the new signings while also changing the balance of experience within the squad.
Kaizer Chiefs loan deals
Several players were also sent out on loan as Chiefs continued to manage their wider squad.
Loan departures:
- Siyabonga Gumede → Richards Bay FC
- Fiacre Ntwari → Kruger United
- Xolani Cossa → Gomora FC
- Sfiso Timba → Gomora FC
- Ofentse Kgosana → Real Natives
- Vicky Mkhawana → Real Natives
- Pheko Phago → Hope FC
- Samkelo Zwane → Hope FC
- Bontle Molefe → Hope FC
- Naledi Hlongwane → Hope FC
For the younger players in particular, the loan moves could provide valuable regular playing time away from the pressure of the first-team environment.
What should Chiefs fans expect?
With the transfer window now closed, attention turns to how quickly the new-look squad can settle.
Chiefs have made changes across the playing squad and technical team after securing their highest PSL finish in several seasons.
The challenge now is translating those changes into consistent performances on the pitch.
So, how would you rate Kaizer Chiefs’ transfer window? Did Amakhosi do enough to challenge at the top of the PSL?
