Kaizer Chiefs’ latest transfer decisions have raised more than a few eyebrows, especially with the surprising acquisitions of Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane from arch-rivals Orlando Pirates. While the duo boasts a wealth of experience and accolades from their time with the Buccaneers, their injury-plagued histories and recent form suggest Chiefs may have taken a gamble they couldn’t afford.
Mako, a left-back, spent seven seasons at Pirates, collecting four MTN8 trophies and two Nedbank Cups along the way. Monyane, on the other hand, was a Buccaneer from the age of 12, dedicating 13 years to the club and matching Mako’s silverware haul. At their peak, both players showed so much promise that they were touted as future mainstays for Bafana Bafana, especially down the flanks.
Injury Woes That Can’t Be Ignored
Yet, despite their talent, injuries have persistently hampered their careers. Both Mako and Monyane have spent significant time on the treatment table, missing key fixtures and falling out of favour at Pirates. Even under coach Jose Riveiro, they were no longer considered central to the team’s plans, primarily due to fitness concerns.
Chiefs’ decision to snap them up on free transfers this winter has therefore puzzled many, particularly considering the club’s ongoing struggle with injuries and inconsistent performances. Last season, Amakhosi failed to even secure a top-eight finish—an alarming dip for a club of their stature. If anything, they needed fully fit, high-impact signings who could hit the ground running.
A Pattern of Missteps in Defence
History should have served as a warning. Bongani Sam, another former Pirate, joined Chiefs only to sit out the entire season due to a long-term injury. Edmilson Dove also missed most of the campaign after picking up a knock during pre-season in Turkey. The team’s defensive woes were compounded by underwhelming performances from other recruits like Bradley Cross, who showed late improvement but still didn’t quite fit the bill.
Problems Beyond the Backline
Chiefs’ issues weren’t confined to defenders either. Goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, despite early promise, lost his place in the pecking order to Bruce Bvuma and Brandon Petersen. And players like Njabulo Blom were shipped back after disappointing loan spells. This recurring pattern of signing injury-prone or out-of-form players has played a significant role in Chiefs’ stagnation.
Given this context, the club’s decision to add Mako and Monyane—who were already struggling for minutes at Pirates—feels like a step backward. Both players were surplus to requirements at Mayfair, and instead of moving for fresh, in-form talent, Chiefs opted for familiarity over foresight.
Potential alternatives were available. Right-back Thabang Matuludi of Polokwane City and left-back Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch FC both enjoyed solid seasons. Basadien, in particular, has even caught the attention of Bafana coach Hugo Broos, captaining the national team in a recent friendly against Tanzania.
Kaizer Chiefs’ Risky Move: Betting on Injury-Prone Veterans
Chiefs’ decision to snap them up on free transfers this winter has therefore puzzled many, particularly considering the club’s ongoing struggle with injuries and inconsistent performances. Last season, Amakhosi failed to even secure a top-eight finish—an alarming dip for a club of their stature. If anything, they needed fully fit, high-impact signings who could hit the ground running.
A Risky Road Ahead
Ultimately, the decision to sign Mako and Monyane rests with Chiefs’ management and new coach Nasreddine Nabi. However, if these players fail to overcome their injury woes and replicate past performances, Chiefs may find themselves burdened by yet another set of signings that don’t align with their ambitions of returning to the top.
In a season where nothing less than a title challenge will suffice, Kaizer Chiefs needed rejuvenation, not rehabilitation projects.
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