Kaizer Chiefs have made one of the biggest moves in the transfer market ahead of the 2026/27 season, bringing in five new players as coach Fernando Da Cruz begins reshaping the Amakhosi squad.
The club’s recruitment has already been followed by a positive result, with Kaizer Chiefs beating Kruger United 3-1 in their Betway Premiership opener on Saturday. That victory has moved the focus towards the contribution the new arrivals can make over the course of the campaign.
Here is how the five signings have been assessed.
Mayo
Mayo leads the rankings after Kaizer Chiefs made his loan move from CR Belouizdad permanent.
The striker has already shown that he can score regularly in the PSL, addressing one of the most persistent problems for Amakhosi in recent seasons: taking advantage of chances.
If he maintains his best form, Mayo has the ability to become Kaizer Chiefs’ leading scorer and one of the team’s most influential players. His record in front of goal gives him a strong chance of making an immediate impact as the club look to improve their attacking output.
Langelihle Phili
Kaizer Chiefs’ latest signing was Langelihle Phili, who joined from Stellenbosch FC after the club completed a deal for one of the league’s most promising young wingers.
The 21-year-old offers speed, directness and the ability to beat defenders with the ball at his feet. Those qualities should give Da Cruz an additional source of creativity and unpredictability in the final third.
If Phili adapts quickly to his new surroundings, he could prove to be among the most successful signings of the season.
Moloisane
Moloisane arrives with considerable PSL experience and is expected to strengthen the Kaizer Chiefs defence immediately.
The former Stellenbosch FC defender brings composure, leadership and reliability to a backline that has not always been dependable during recent campaigns. His experience could be particularly important as Da Cruz works to establish a more consistent defensive structure.
Leaner
Leaner adds depth and competition to the goalkeeping department.
He may not move straight into the starting XI, but the talented shot-stopper provides Kaizer Chiefs with greater strength between the posts. His arrival also represents useful long-term value and ensures the club have stronger cover in an important position.
The defensive midfielder
The defensive midfielder is the least familiar of the five new arrivals and therefore perhaps the biggest unknown.
There is clear belief in his potential, although adjusting to the physical and tactical demands of the PSL may require patience. Should he progress as expected under Da Cruz, Kaizer Chiefs could have another high-quality midfielder available to them.
Overall, the club’s recruitment appears to have been based on balance rather than reputation. Kaizer Chiefs have added a defender, goalkeeper, midfielder, winger and striker, strengthening every main area of the squad and giving Da Cruz more options while he introduces his preferred style of play.
The opening-day win over Kruger United will have encouraged Amakhosi supporters, who will hope the new arrivals can help the club challenge for silverware and end their long wait for another Betway Premiership title.
Those three points put Kaizer Chiefs at the top of the standings on goal difference, ahead of Orlando Pirates, Polokwane City, AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United.
Their next match is an MTN8 quarter-final against Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium on Sunday, 9 August at 18:00.
Kaizer Chiefs will then return to league action against Sekhukhune United, also at FNB Stadium, on Wednesday, 12 August at 19:30.
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