Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly closed in on two central defensive signings for next season. The next area to strengthen is without doubt the central midfield depth.
This article is the second of three midfield player profiles with the skills and playing style to reshape Amakhosi in 2026/27.
After profiling Grant Margeman of Siwelele FC, the next target should be Golden Arrows midfield maestro Isaac Cisse.
WHY DO KAIZER CHIEFS NEED ISAAC CISSE?
Still only 19 years of age, the highly talented Ivorian is a rare box-to-box central midfielder. He offers the attributes that perfectly match the physical and technical demands of the Betway Premiership.
Without at least one midfielder of this profile, Kaizer Chiefs may struggle to dominate the division. Or even consistently challenge Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
Amakhosi’s existing midfield star Lebohang Maboe shares similar attributes. But he will not always be fit, in form, or avoid suspension. Especially if Kaizer Chiefs achieve their ambition of returning to the CAF Confederation Cup. And if Sibongiseni Mthethwa departs when his contract expires in June.
Cisse, who has played 19 times for Abafana Bes’thende this season, arrived at the Durban-based club last September from Société Omnisports de l’Armée in the Ivory Coast.
Despite primarily operating as a defensive midfielder, Cissé has scored three times, showing his ability to influence attacks, an important attribute in this all-action division Kaizer Chiefs are desperate to dominate.
Fondly known as “The Compass,” Cisse is generally described as a dynamic all-round midfielder who can slot in as both a No. 6 and a No. 8. His style combines physical strength, sharp tactical awareness, and an increasingly dangerous edge going forward. Similar top players are Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams and Thalente Mbatha.
WHAT’S THE ASSESSMENT FROM HIS GOLDEN ARROWS COACH MANQOBA MNGQITHI?
“Cisse is a very good football player, technically, I’m just very lucky to even have him at Arrows. Because circumstances maybe favoured me,” Mngqithi, who is linked with a move to Amakhosi, told the media in September 2025.
“But he has some trials in Portugal, they wanted him in France badly before – his contract was then up with his team and when it finished, there was a bit of silence from those teams in Europe because maybe they were not aware.
“And I managed to get him just like that, but believe me, he’s a helluva good player, he’s the U23 captain of Ivory Coast. Tactically he still has some issues we must deal with, as we’re playing a dynamic 4-3-3 and he’s a six or an eight in a two-man midfield,” the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach added.
Mngqithi concluded to say the technical team were set to Cisse understand their structure, adding that he was pleased with his technical application but had some concerns about his tactical orientation. However, he emphasised that the player is a very good footballer who will earn respect in no time.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON ISAAC CISSE TO KAIZER CHIEFS?
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