Can Kaizer Chiefs thrive with their lineup of ex-Orlando Pirates stars?
Can Ndlovu thrive in Chiefs colours? Former Orlando Pirates star Siphesihle Ndlovu was recently unveiled by Kaizer Chiefs as they prepare for the new BVetway Premiership season. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs
Image: Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs will begin the new PSL season armed with a number of former Orlando Pirates stars in their ranks.
The club announced the signing of Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane last week, and followed that up this weekend by concluding the deal to bring Siphesihle Ndlovu to Naturena from SuperSport United.
While the jury is still out on Mako and Monyane, the signing of Ndlovu appears to be a shrewd bit of business by the Soweto giants.
Mako and Monyane were released by Pirates, which led to many fans seeing their move to Chiefs on a free transfer as the club picking up players who were unwanted by their rivals. The pair will have to hit the ground running if they are to prove their doubters wrong.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Bradley Cross has been Chiefs’ first choice at left back, and Mako is expected to provide the 24-year-old, who made his fair share of mistakes last season, with some strong competition for a place in the team.
Meanwhile, Monyane should find it a bit tougher to break into the side given that Reeve Frosler is one of the club’s most consistent performers.
Ndlovu, on the other hand, looks like he will go straight into the first team. The 28-year-old former Maritzburg United star is a tireless workhorse, and his addition to the club’s midfield will give the team a more solid look.
Last season, while the club were able to create a number of opportunities for their attackers, it was their porous midfield that sometimes let them down. Teams often found it too easy to pick them apart. Ndlovu’s signing will address that. His energy and defensive grit will definitely help the club during intense CAF Confederation Cup and league matches.
Of course, it also helps that he’s versatile and can play in a number of other positions. This means he can slot into different systems without fuss, thanks to his tactical awareness and adaptability.
With Chiefs aiming to reclaim their place among the PSL elite, these signings represent more than just squad additions – they signal a shift in intent.
In Ndlovu, they have a player who fits the profile of what the club desperately needs: discipline, endurance, and a winning mentality. If Mako and Monyane can silence the doubts and Ndlovu delivers as expected, Kaizer Chiefs may just have found the backbone needed to mount a serious challenge on both domestic and continental fronts.
IOL Sport
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
** JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Send us an email with your comments, thoughts or responses to [email protected]. Letters should be a maximum of 500 words, and may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Submissions should include a contact number and physical address (not for publication).