Kaizer Chiefs told to raid Sundowns to solve problem position

Kaizer Chiefs have been told to raid the Mamelodi Sundowns camp to solve a problem position.

The Soweto giants have worked without a scout since parting ways with Sinesipho Mali in July.

Thabiso ‘Shooz’ Mekuto, who recommended Tera Maliwa to Ajax Cape Town – where he cut his teeth as a scout – believes he has what it takes to shake things up at a club like Kaizer Chiefs.

The former Ajax head scout, Maliwa, is credited for developing the Urban Warriors’ scouting blueprint, which turned the club into one of the best in terms of unearthing talent.

The likes of Thulani Serero, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Rivaldo Coetzee and George Maluleke all came through the now-defunct club’s structures.

Maliwa has been in the Mamelodi Sundowns’ books since 2017.

He has developed his eagle eye to scan for talents from as far as West Africa.

Mekuto is convinced he possesses a colourful curriculum vitae, having spent time in the Netherlands, which is known for robust junior and scouting structures. 

The Cape Town-born scout has worked with highly rated Dutchman Piet de Visser. He spent over 16 months working with Dutch clubs SC Heerenveen and Ajax Amsterdam.

WHY MALIWA WOULD BE A GOOD CATCH BY KAIZER CHIEFS

The 43-year-old also went on an educational expedition at AZ Alkmaar.

And, according to Mekuto, his track record makes him a favourite for such a post.

“Kaizer Chiefs needs someone like Tera and beyond,” Mekuto told FARPost.

“The unfortunate thing is that if he comes as an individual, he will be swallowed by the system.

“The system at Kaizer Chiefs is there. It has its own flaws. Certain individuals happened to run the rule without them being structured and knowing what is it they expect from people.

“If Tera is given the opportunity to implement, allow him to implement what he thinks needs to be done. He will succeed. The second part of the success of the implementation is when you’re supported.”

The Khayelitsha-bred football enthusiast has been credited for identifying Sundowns midfielder, Coetzee, AmaZulu midfielder Abubakar Mobara, Khama Billiat and Willard Katsande for Ajax. 

He also had a hand in carving out rising Bafana Bafana star Luke Le Roux’s development along with Tashreeq Matthews, who is also based in Sweden.

The Chiefs head of scout post was at some point held by Walter Steenbok, who left in August 2021 to pursue his studies.

Steenbok, who previously worked with Maliwa at Sundowns, is now technical director of SAFA.

RELATED STORY: Tera Maliwa: The eagle-eyed scout unearthing football’s hidden gems