Kaizer Chiefs have been walking a tightrope this season, and it’s all because the squad has only one traditional defensive midfielder in a league defined by quick transitions.
With the January transfer window approaching, Amakhosi have a chance to address a dangerous weakness.
THE CASE FOR A NEW KAIZER CHIEFS DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER
Sibongiseni Mthethwa is carrying the full workload as the club’s only traditional No.6. Should he get injured, suspended or lose form, Amakhosi are one bad moment away from chaos.
Thabo Cele was brought in as a potential cover, but he is a holding midfielder, not a defensive midfielder. He controls tempo, distributes and keeps possession; he doesn’t specialise in breaking up play. After years in Europe’s more structured leagues, Cele has struggled with the Betway Premiership’s chaos and speed, with the Kaizer Chiefs coaches lately trying him further forward as a No.8 but with limited success.
Some fans have also mistaken Sphesihle Ndlovu as a defensive midfielder because of his willingness to take care of his defensive duties. But he’s a very energetic ball-carrying central midfielder by nature. Playing him as a No.6 would leave Kaizer Chiefs exposed; he naturally can’t sit, shield or stay positionally disciplined.
Any player in the reserve team? Thulani Mabaso is more of a holding midfielder, similarly to Cele.
The attainable options boil down to three names.
1. Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole (26) – Tondela, Portugal
Very physical and quick, Sithole is the perfect profile for Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership. The club reportedly came close to signing him in July. He’s playing regularly in Portugal, part of Hugo Broos’ Afcon plans, and his aggression fits the exact role Mthethwa currently shoulders alone.
His contract runs until June 2026.
2. Siphesihle Mkhize (26) – Sekhukhune United
One of the most underrated midfielders in the league. Mkhize has been influential in Sekhukhune’s rise, a top-four finish last season and currently sitting third this campaign.
With 135 Betway Premiership matches, he’s a plug-and-play signing who won’t be intimidated by Amakhosi’s expectations after starting his career at Mamelodi Sundowns. The challenge for Kaizer Chiefs? Available information says he has two years left on his contract, plus an option.
3. Lehlohonolo “Hloni” Mtshali (30) – Magesi FC
The experienced and most attainable option. Mtshali started his career at Orlando Pirates, before Jomo Cosmos and Sekhukhune United. He brings the positional discipline Kaizer Chiefs badly need. He’s a traditional defensive midfielder who can also play centre-back when required.
With his deal ending in June, he’s the easiest short-term fix and brings maturity and grind similar to Mthethwa. Was once described by Linda Mntambo and Thabang Monare as a player who simply “understands football.”
MTHETHELELI MTHIYANE
Stellenbosch FC’s Mthetheleli Mthiyane (24) is a special talent worth a mention but only joined Stellies in July. Kaizer Chiefs would have to move Table Mountain for Stellies to let him go.