Kaizer Chiefs’ reserve team midfielder Thulani Mabaso has reportedly signed his first senior team contract, becoming part of the Betway Premiership squad on a permanent basis.
According to SuperSport TV’s Karabo Phasha, the 21-year-old left-footed midfielder from Meadowlands, Soweto, put pen to paper earlier this week.
THULANI MABASO ADDS DEPTH TO KAIZER CHIEFS MIDFIELD
The report comes a week after Mabaso was spotted training with the senior team after the AFCON break. It was his second time rubbing shoulders with the first team after he spent three weeks of pre-season under assessment in both the Netherlands and Johannesburg in July.
“Thulani Mabaso is set to SIGN his 1st-ever professional contract this week with the 1st team & IMMEDIATELY be PROMOTED,” Phasha said on X. “We understand Mabaso will NOW fully be with the 1st Team of Chiefs,” the report added.
The player known as “Touch” arrives with vast experience in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) reserve league.
Following the departure of Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi to TS Galaxy, Mabasa took over the captain duties as the young Kaizer Chiefs lads went on the UK tour in November. The trip was part of the reward for winning the DDC championship last season.
In London, Mabaso stoodout after scoring two goals each against Manchester United and Leeds United reserves.
With Mabasa’s addition, the Kaizer Chiefs senior team will have seven midfield options. The full list includes Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Thabo Cele, Lebohang Maboe, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, and George Matlou.
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FOLLOWING HIS PEERS
In the past five years, Kaizer Chiefs have promoted a significant group of academy graduates to the senior squad.
The list includes Mduduzi Shabalala, Wandile Duba, Mfundo Vilakazi, Samkelo Zwane, Naledi Hlongwane, Donay Jansen, and Aden McCarthy.
In the meantime, Kaizer Chiefs are edging closer to the first showdown of 2026. Manqoba Mngqithi’s feisty Golden Arrows will visit the FNB Stadium for a Betway Premiership match on Tuesday 20 January at 19:30.