Kaizer Chiefs have completed the signing of Tanzanian midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko from Azam FC, making the 27-year-old the first player from Tanzania to join the Soweto giants.
The move, confirmed in the current transfer window, marks Chiefs’ third acquisition ahead of the 2026-27 season as the club continues a significant reshaping of its squad following a pre-season tour of Spain.
Historic Tanzanian arrival at Naturena
Bitegeko, who captained Azam in the Tanzanian top flight, arrives in South Africa with a growing reputation as a dynamic central midfielder. Comfortable operating both as a No 8 and a deeper-lying No 6, he is expected to add drive and versatility to Chiefs’ midfield.
He also brings European experience, having previously turned out in Iceland for clubs including KR Reykjavik and Volsungur IF before re-establishing himself as a key figure at Azam.
Bitegeko’s arrival is seen internally as strategically significant, not only because he is the club’s first Tanzanian player, but also because Chiefs have been looking to refresh their options in the centre of the pitch.
Replacement lined up for Thabo Cele
The new signing is widely viewed as a potential successor to Thabo Cele, whose future at Naturena appears uncertain after he missed the club’s pre-season preparations in Spain.
Cele is believed to be edging towards the exit, creating a vacancy in the “engine room” which Bitegeko has effectively been recruited to fill. Chiefs officials see the Tanzanian as capable of fulfilling both defensive and box-to-box midfield duties, offering the flexibility required for the coming campaign.
Third signing in busy transfer window
Bitegeko follows goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner and centre-back Thabo Moloisane through the door, becoming Amakhosi’s third confirmed signing of the window.
Leaner has been brought in to strengthen competition in goal, while Moloisane is expected to bolster the heart of the defence as Chiefs look to close the gap on their domestic rivals.
The club’s transfer business comes on the back of a pre-season tour of Spain, from which the squad returned on Monday, and signals a clear intent to refresh the core of the team ahead of the new campaign.
Foreign-slot reshuffle and expected departures
Chiefs’ ability to bring in Bitegeko has been aided by a reshuffle of their foreign-player contingent.
Goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari has been sent out on loan to newly promoted Mpumalanga side Kruger United, a move that frees up an important foreign slot in the squad.
In a further indication of change, Congolese winger Glody Lilepo is also expected to leave Naturena, with a transfer to Libyan club Al Ahli Benghazi anticipated in the coming days.
That potential departure would further ease foreign-quota pressure and could open the door for additional international signings before the window closes.
Statement of intent from Amakhosi
By moving for Bitegeko, Chiefs have tapped into the East African market and underlined their determination to broaden their recruitment base beyond traditional sources.
The Tanzanian’s leadership experience at Azam, combined with his stints in Iceland, suggests Amakhosi are targeting players with both continental pedigree and exposure to European football environments.
With three new faces already secured and more outgoings likely, Chiefs appear set for one of their most active off-seasons in recent years as they attempt to rebuild a squad capable of challenging for honours in 2026-27.
