Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that new signing Elias Mokwana will wear the jersey number previously associated with club legend Simphiwe Tshabalala.
The 27-year-old winger has joined the Soweto club after spells with Sekhukhune United, Esperance de Tunis and Al-Hazem. He returns to South Africa following two seasons in Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.
Mokwana, who comes from KwaMhlanga in Mpumalanga, is known for his pace, agility and ability to play on either flank. His route to the top began in the third tier of South African football with Gemsbok Classic in the ABC Motsepe League.
He subsequently stepped up to the National First Division with Platinum City Rovers, where he made 22 appearances and scored three goals. Those performances led to a move into the Betway Premiership.
In May 2022, Mokwana signed a three-year contract with Sekhukhune United. He went on to make more than 50 league appearances for the club before earning his first Bafana Bafana call-up in November 2023.
Mokwana helped South Africa claim bronze at the Africa Cup of Nations and scored important goals in international matches against Andorra and Congo.
Success with Esperance
In August 2024, he moved abroad again, joining Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis on a three-year contract.
Mokwana made an immediate impression in Tunisia, becoming the first South African player to win the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 title.
His debut campaign was particularly productive. He played in more than 30 matches in all competitions, including the CAF Champions League, and helped Esperance complete a domestic treble.
That haul consisted of the league title, the Tunisian Cup and the Tunisian Super Cup.
Saudi Pro League experience
Mokwana moved to the Saudi Pro League in August 2025, signing for Al-Hazem on a season-long loan.
He became an important member of the side, making 24 appearances, including 16 starts. The winger also scored his first goal in the Gulf region with a memorable individual effort against Al-Taawoun.
Kaizer Chiefs have now confirmed that Mokwana will take the shirt number most closely associated with Tshabalala, adding further significance to the start of his latest chapter in South African football.
