Kaizer Chiefs have been linked with several top players over the past three years, but the Soweto giants have only managed to secure a handful of those targets.
Among the notable successes are Thabo Cele and Gaston Sirino, both of whom were heavily linked with the club before eventually joining on permanent deals.
Khanyiso Mayo is another addition, although his move from CR Belouizdad is only a loan deal. He was one of the players who were set to join Kaizer Chiefs in the 2024/25 season but when to Algeria instead.
However, had Amakhosi managed to sign even half of the players they were linked with, they could arguably have lifted at least two trophies by now and mounted a stronger challenge against Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates in the league.
Here are five players Kaizer Chiefs failed to sign
Oswin Appollis
Chiefs reportedly failed to meet Polokwane City’s asking price for Oswin Appollis, and in a twist of fate, it was their arch-rivals Orlando Pirates who secured his signature.
The 24-year-old winger has since proven to be one of the signings of the season, playing a key role in two cup triumphs while contributing more than 10 goals and assists combined. His impact highlights what Chiefs may have missed out on.
Fawaaz Basadien
Amakhosi have struggled with depth at left-back. Despite bringing in Paseka Mako, injuries have exposed weaknesses in that position throughout the season.
Basadien could have provided much-needed balance, offering defensive stability while also contributing quality deliveries going forward. His profile fits exactly what Kaizer Chiefs have lacked.
Thabo Moloisane
Moloisane has developed into a reliable defender and has earned several call-ups to the Bafana Bafana squad.
He would have added leadership, composure, and consistency to the Chiefs backline; areas where the team has often looked vulnerable. Although linked with both Chiefs and Pirates, his attributes seem tailor-made for Amakhosi’s defensive needs.
Kaizer Chiefs needed a top keeper
Stanley Nwabali
The Nigerian international rose to prominence after his standout performances at AFCON 2024, which attracted interest from Chiefs.
Instead, the club opted to sign Fiacre Ntwari. The Rwandan goalkeeper struggled to establish himself, conceding heavily in his early appearances before losing his place. Nwabali, by contrast, could have brought experience, confidence, and reliability between the posts.
Fiston Mayele
For a long time, Fiston Mayele was strongly linked with a move to Naturena. Reports suggested that the club’s hierarchy, led by Bobby Motaung, decided against pursuing the deal while he was still at Young Africans.
That decision has since come back to haunt them. Mayele has gone on to shine on the African stage with Pyramids, establishing himself as one of the continent’s most dangerous forwards.
In hindsight, he may well be the biggest missed opportunity for Chiefs in the past two decades.
While there are several players Kaizer Chiefs failed to secure, these five stand out as signings that could have significantly elevated the squad. With the right recruitment decisions, Amakhosi might already have re-established themselves as genuine title contenders.
