Kaizer Chiefs Transfer Frenzy: Club Prepares for Major Shake-Up with Key Signings!
Kaizer Chiefs are targeting key wingers, including experienced Keletso Makgalwa and young talent Seluleko Mahlambi, to strengthen their attacking prowess. These transfer ambitions accompany the club's recent official announcements, such as the appointment of new coach Fernando Da Cruz, the signing of defender Thabo Moloisane, and the departure of Aden McCarthy. The club is set for a busy pre-season following their third-place finish in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership.
Kaizer Chiefs are actively prioritizing the strengthening of their wide attacking areas, a strategic move deemed crucial despite the current roster including players like Glody Lilepo, Pule Mmodi, Asanele Velebayi, Mfundo Vilakazi, and Gaston Sirino. The club is reportedly in the market for wingers capable of creating chances, stretching defenses, and making an immediate impact on the Betway Premiership.
Among the top targets for Amakhosi is Sekhukhune United star Keletso Makgalwa. Unlike many transfer prospects who require a significant adjustment period, Makgalwa is a proven Betway Premiership performer with extensive local experience. This understanding of South African football means he could seamlessly integrate into new coach Fernando Da Cruz’s system. Makgalwa had a productive 2025/26 campaign with Sekhukhune United, featuring in 27 league matches and providing nine assists from the left wing, establishing himself as one of the league’s most influential creators. His standout individual season was arguably in 2024/25, where he created 71 chances, completed 55 successful dribbles, recorded 136 touches inside the opposition box, posted the highest expected threat (xT) per game, and collected six Man of the Match awards. Born in Mokopane, Limpopo, Makgalwa began his career at Mamelodi Sundowns before injury-disrupted progress led to loan spells at various clubs. He reignited his career at Sekhukhune United, culminating in a senior Bafana Bafana call-up in late 2025. His direct running, dribbling ability, and vision would offer Kaizer Chiefs a valuable attacking weapon.
Another prominent name on Kaizer Chiefs' list of targets is TS Galaxy star Seluleko Mahlambi. The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough 2025/26 campaign, emerging as one of Galaxy’s most dangerous attacking players. Primarily operating from the left wing, Mahlambi participated in 29 league matches, netting six goals and providing six assists. He consistently troubled defenders with his pace, close control, and direct running. His impressive performances even drew public praise from Amakhosi legend Siboniso Gaxa, who urged the club to make Mahlambi a priority signing, describing him as a player capable of transforming the club’s attack in the upcoming 2026/27 Betway Premiership season. Gaxa lauded Mahlambi’s work ethic, creativity, unpredictability, and his rare ability to beat defenders while working tirelessly off the ball. Mahlambi’s journey involved development at Louwsburg Aces and youth stints at AmaZulu and Cape Town City, eventually joining TS Galaxy’s development system. A FIFA-imposed transfer ban saw Galaxy rely heavily on academy graduates in 2025/26, a chance Mahlambi seized, becoming a regular starter and contributing to their Nedbank Cup final run. He has carved out his own identity despite comparisons to his older brother, Phakamani Mahlambi, offering Kaizer Chiefs a combination of youth, proven Premiership production, goals, assists, and significant growth potential.
Beyond transfer speculations, Kaizer Chiefs have made significant announcements weeks before the official transfer window opens, following a third-place finish in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. The club is set to begin its pre-season soon. This week, Amakhosi confirmed the signing of former Stellenbosch FC defender Thabo Moloisane. Moloisane brings valuable experience, having made 115 appearances over three seasons with Stellies and competed in the CAF Confederation Cup, which will be crucial as Kaizer Chiefs return to CAF competition. He is expected to join the squad for pre-season training. Prior to Moloisane’s announcement, Kaizer Chiefs welcomed new coach Fernando Da Cruz. The French-Portuguese coach replaces Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze and will officially commence his tenure on July 1. Da Cruz had a brief stint as Nasreddine Nabi’s assistant at Chiefs in 2024 before moving to the Moroccan national team. The club has also confirmed one departure: defender Aden McCarthy, who has completed a move to Azerbaijan-based Sabah FK.