Kaizer Chiefs are desperate to challenge Orlando Pirates for their Betway Premiership crown. Can they do it after this window?
Kaizer Chiefs aim to usurp Orlando Pirates at the summit
Chiefs additions
Khanyisa Mayo has signed permanently from CR Belouizdad for a reported fee close to R9.8 million following a prior loan spell. Adolf Mtasingwa is a 27-year-old defensive midfielder signed from Azam FC for an undisclosed fee, and the first Tanzanian player to join Amakhosi. Mtasingwa brings valuable experience, having spent six seasons in Scandinavia, playing in the Icelandic, Norwegian and Finnish leagues. He returned home in 2024 to help Azam FC finish third in the Tanzanian league last season. He is the vice-captain of his nation.
Central defender Thabo Moloisane brings PSL know-how after becoming a mainstay for an impressive Stellenbosch side. Moloisane can also operate at right back when needed. 28-year-old goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner joins from Sekhukhune to bolster Chiefs’ options between the sticks. The 1.87m-tall stopper has been capped by Bafana. There’s also a growing expectation that 21-year-old Stellies winger Langelihle Phili will join the Glamour Boys.
Pirates additions
Most of the club’s acquisitions this window have been with the view of future-proofing their squad with young options. Pirates have welcomed Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Sbangani Zulu, Bohlale Ngwato, Ghampani Lungu, Neo Rapoo, Aphiwe Baliti and Matome Mmolai. After the sale of Rele Mofokeng, the club needed a statement signing, and it remains to be seen whether Christian Pedersen will fit the bill. For now, the jury is out, and the Norwegian might need to sit on the bench to prove his worth.
How did Chiefs and Pirates fare on matchday 1?
Both Soweto giants got 2026-27 off to a winning start. Chiefs beat Kruger United 3-1 thanks to a goal from Flavio Silva and a brace from substitute Wandile Duba. Pirates, meanwhile, beat Milford 2-0 with strikes from wide men Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi.
What’s next?
Pirates are in MTN8 action on Saturday 8 August against Durban City. Chiefs, meanwhile, face Golden Arrows on Sunday 9 August in the same competition.
