Why Kaizer Chiefs can’t afford another striker misfire

Kaizer Chiefs have taken steps to fix their long-standing striker problem, but with past failures still fresh in memory, their next signing simply cannot afford to be another letdown.

After years of frustration up front, the Soweto giants have once again gone into the market in search of goals. Christian Saile and Ranga Chivaviro were both released after failing to make the desired impact, while Tashreeq Morris has yet to win over the technical team. 

In response, Chiefs moved quickly to bring in Portuguese striker Flávio Silva from Indonesian club Persebaya Surabaya.

Silva, 29, is not a young prospect or a player signed for potential — he’s expected to deliver immediately. 

But already, question marks are forming around his fitness and sharpness, especially after a pre-season campaign that has not inspired universal confidence. 

Some supporters have voiced concerns, wary of another stop-gap solution in a position that has been mishandled far too often in recent years.

The club’s striking woes are no longer a temporary issue — they’re part of a worrying trend. 

Since the days of Bernard Parker, Collins Mbesuma and Knowledge Musona, Amakhosi have failed to find a reliable frontman. 

Instead, they’ve cycled through names like Lazarous Kambole, Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana, Saile and Chivaviro — none of whom were able to carry the goal-scoring load expected at a club of Chiefs’ magnitude.

Last season, no Chiefs striker managed more than five goals across all competitions. The bulk of scoring responsibility fell to midfielders and defenders — a scenario that left the team toothless in key moments and contributed to yet another trophyless campaign.

New coach Nasreddine Nabi brings tactical innovation and a renewed sense of direction, but even the most sophisticated system requires a finisher. 

The next striker must be decisive in front of goal, strong in hold-up play, and capable of thriving under pressure. Anything less will be yet another letdown for a fanbase that’s endured nearly a decade of disappointment.

There is no more patience for “projects” or strikers who need extended time to adapt. Flávio Silva, given his age and experience, was signed to solve a problem — not to become part of it. 

His success, or lack thereof, will speak volumes not only about recruitment but about Chiefs’ broader ambitions.

With Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns already settled in the forward department, Chiefs cannot afford to lag behind again. A misfire up front would undo the work being done elsewhere in the squad — and potentially cost them another season in the shadows.

Amakhosi need goals. They need leadership in the No. 9 role. And more than anything, they need the next striker to break the cycle of failure.

Because another miss won’t just be felt in the scoreline — it’ll echo through Naturena and beyond.