Kaizer Chiefs have made a strong start to the Betway Premiership season, but the Soweto club’s transfer-window business is not yet complete after five signings and several departures.
Amakhosi were among the busiest clubs in the market as the new league campaign got under way this past weekend. They opened their season with an impressive 3-1 victory over Kruger United on Saturday, a result that placed them at the top of the Betway Premiership table after the first round of fixtures.
Chiefs confirmed their fifth signing of the window on Monday, when they unveiled winger Langelihle Phili.
The highly rated 24-year-old completed his move from Stellenbosch FC after weeks of speculation and has now joined Fernando Da Cruz’s squad as the latest addition to the team.
The club also announced the departure of Congolese forward Glody Lilepo. The attacker has moved to Libyan club Al Ahly Benghazi after the two sides reached an agreement over the transfer fee.
Defender Given Msimango is another player to have left Naturena. The former Chiefs captain departed last week after spending three seasons at the club.
Msimango is widely expected to join Stellenbosch FC, with reports indicating that his proposed move could be connected to the transfer that took Phili in the opposite direction to Chiefs.
Despite completing a number of deals, Chiefs are not expected to bring their recruitment to an end. Stellenbosch attacker Devin Titus remains a target, and Amakhosi are believed to be working to secure another high-profile signing before the transfer window closes.
Titus could be particularly useful to Da Cruz because Mduduzi Shabalala is currently sidelined by injury and Chiefs are preparing to compete in both domestic and CAF competitions.
The Stellenbosch player’s ability to operate in several attacking positions would offer Chiefs greater quality, creativity and depth in the final third. His versatility would also give Da Cruz another established option as the club seeks to build on its encouraging opening result and challenge on multiple fronts.
The future of Thabo Cele also remains unresolved. Cele is not part of the coach’s plans and is likely to leave Kaizer Chiefs before the transfer window shuts.
Chiefs’ early activity reflects a wider attempt to reshape Da Cruz’s squad, with new arrivals being added while several established players move on. The club’s opening victory has increased optimism around the season, but their recruitment plans suggest the squad is still being adjusted.
Amakhosi currently lead the Betway Premiership standings following the opening round of matches. Their next transfer decisions could therefore prove significant as they attempt to maintain their early momentum while managing the demands of domestic and CAF competition.
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