Kaizer Chiefs have been among the busiest clubs in the transfer market, adding five new faces as coach Fernando Da Cruz begins rebuilding Amakhosi for the 2026/27 season.
With Kaizer Chiefs already off to a winning start after beating Kruger United 3-1 in their Betway Premiership opener on Saturday, attention is turning to how the club’s new recruits could shape the season.
Here’s how we rated the five signings:
Khanyisa Mayo – 9/10
Mayo tops the list after turning his loan spell into a permanent move from CR Belouizdad.
The striker has already proved he can score consistently in the PSL and addresses one of Chiefs’ biggest weaknesses in recent seasons – converting chances.
At his best, Mayo has the potential to become Amakhosi’s leading goalscorer and one of the club’s most influential players.
Langelihle Phili – 8.5/10
With their most recent signing, Kaizer Chiefs finally landed one of the league’s most exciting young wingers after completing a deal for Stellenbosch FC’s Langelihle Phili.
Blessed with pace, direct running and excellent dribbling ability, the 21-year-old adds creativity and unpredictability in the final third.
If he settles quickly, he could become one of the signings of the season.
Thabo Moloisane – 8/10
Moloisane arrives with plenty of PSL experience and should immediately improve Kaizer Chiefs’ defensive stability.
The former Stellenbosch FC defender brings composure, leadership and consistency to a backline that has lacked reliability in recent campaigns.
Renaldo Leaner – 7.5/10
Leaner strengthens the goalkeeping department and gives Kaizer Chiefs healthy competition between the posts.
While he may not walk straight into the starting XI, the talented shot-stopper offers excellent long-term value and increases the squad’s overall depth.
Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko – 7/10
The defensive-midfielder is perhaps the biggest unknown among the new arrivals.
There is little doubt about his potential, but adapting to the demands of the PSL could take time.
If he develops as expected under Da Cruz, Kaizer Chiefs could have another quality midfielder on their hands.
Transfer window earns high marks
Kaizer Chiefs have recruited with balance rather than simply chasing big names.
The club strengthened every area of the squad by adding a defender, goalkeeper, midfielder, winger and striker, giving Da Cruz more options as he implements his preferred style of play.
After an encouraging opening-day victory over Kruger United, Amakhosi supporters will be hoping these new faces can help the club challenge for silverware and end their long wait for another Betway Premiership title.
Top of the standings
The three points saw Kaizer Chiefs move to the top of the standings, ahead of Orlando Pirates, Polokwane City, AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United of goal difference.
Kaizer Chiefs will next be in action in a MTN8 quarter-final against Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium on Sunday, 9 August at 18:00.
The Glamour Boys’ next league assignment will be against Sekhukhune United, also at FNB Stadium, on Wednesday, 12 August at 19:30.
Kaizer Chiefs fans, which signing are you MOST excited about?
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