Chiefs unveil new signings-but big guns still missing

Kaizer Chiefs are all set to take on their European pre-season tour, with the Netherlands confirmed as their trusted destination—a trip they hope will spark the beginning of a turnaround after two difficult seasons and a tough past decade.

While neighbors Orlando Pirates continue to enjoy their limited success, the footballing rivalry between the two Soweto giants has become unbalanced. 

Pirates have followed up an impressive showing last season with a couple of top-class signings, showing clear ambition. Chiefs, on the other hand, continue to tread carefully, as usual—avoiding panic, even though their recent results suggest that a little urgency may be long overdue.

On Tuesday the Glamour Boys unveiled former AFC Wimbledon and Port Vale midfielder Ethan Chislett, Potugese striker Flavio Silva and left back Nkanyiso Shinga ahead of their tour.

Amakhosi have uncharacteristically missed out on a top-eight finish in each of the last two seasons, making them fully guilty of failing to add intensity to the fierce battle that Mamelodi Sundowns and Pirates brought last season. As one of South Africa’s "Big Three", they have fallen behind the pace.

Both Soweto clubs have allowed the Pretoria powerhouse to dominate unchallenged, with Sundowns having claimed the league title for the past eight consecutive seasons. 

It’s hard to see how they’ll be stopped—especially as Pirates seem to be building something solid with youth and quality new recruits. As for the Glamour Boys, it's not quite clear where they are headed but the hope will be that the new signings will bring a fresh new energy into the squad.

But with that said, It has become increasingly evident that to compete with the best, they will need a lot more quality on the pitch, and here we will outline three other top players Amakhosi should go all out to sign to add to their new signings.

Thembinkosi Lorch

The former Orlando Pirates playmaker was deemed surplus to requirements by Sundowns, but fortunately for him, former boss Rhulani Mokwena still saw value in him and arranged a loan move to Wydad Athletic Club in Morocco.

His quality is undeniable, and it didn’t take him long to recapture some of his best form. Lorch has become a key figure for the North African giants and was one of their standout performers during the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup.

This could be the ideal time for Chiefs to secure his services. He would bring not just technical ability, but also a big personality—something Amakhosi have sorely lacked in recent seasons.

Peter Shalulile

The Sundowns striker has fallen down the pecking order since the arrival of Miguel Cardoso and Iqraam Rayners. With his reputation as a deadly finisher, Shalulile would be a game-changer for a Chiefs side that scored only 25 goals in 28 matches last season.

He has been South Africa’s top striker over the last decade. While age may not be on his side, his numbers speak for themselves. He’s never been one to sit on the bench, and his hunger for goals could breathe new energy into a Chiefs attack that has looked lifeless for far too long.

Oswin Appollis

The Polokwane City midfielder has long been linked to both Pirates and Chiefs, with reports suggesting the Buccaneers are currently leading the race. However, Chiefs might just be the better fit—offering Appollis a platform to settle and develop into a central figure.

The Bafana Bafana international has been one of the most consistent performers in the PSL, and at just 23 years old, he still has plenty to offer. His international exposure could also benefit an Amakhosi team that remains in transition, searching for balance and identity.