Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly close to signing 27-year-old winger Elias Mokwana, with one local media outlet claiming the deal is already complete.
The potential arrival has generated considerable interest among Amakhosi supporters, particularly after club legend Itumeleng Khune compared Mokwana’s style with that of former favourite Jabu Pule.
Khune said Mokwana reminded him of Pule, who later changed his surname to Mahlangu but had already established the name Jabu Pule as one of the most recognisable in Kaizer Chiefs’ history.
Pule, nicknamed “Shuffle” and “Ngwana wa Tshwenya”, is widely regarded as the last attacking player to fully embody the character and identity of Kaizer Chiefs.
He combined technical quality with pace, creativity and intelligence, while also possessing the confidence and self-belief to take on defenders. His contribution was not limited to entertaining performances, as he also scored goals and created opportunities for his team-mates.
For many supporters, Pule was the kind of player they paid to watch. He remains one of the most exciting footballers to represent Kaizer Chiefs, occupying a similar role for the club to Relebohile Mofokeng and Thembinkosi Lorch at Orlando Pirates, or Themba Zwane and Lucas Ribeiro at Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pule’s Kaizer Chiefs career
Pule was promoted to the Kaizer Chiefs first team by coach Muhsin Ertugral during the 1999/2000 season. He went on to make 99 league appearances for the club, scoring 27 goals before his career was affected by off-field problems.
His departure was particularly difficult for Kaizer Chiefs supporters. In 2006, after spells in Austria and at SuperSport United, Pule joined rivals Orlando Pirates.
At international level, Pule made 20 appearances for Bafana Bafana between 2000 and 2004, scoring two goals. His involvement in the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan was the standout moment of his international career.
The comparison with Mokwana is therefore likely to excite Kaizer Chiefs fans, who will hope the winger can bring similar flair, attacking purpose and individuality to the team if his move to the Soweto club is completed.
