Kaizer Chiefs will shift a few more players before the transfer deadline on 22 September after a frenzy of purchases in the winter.
Several senior players could still depart.
Who’s on the chopping block?
Five players who could be leaving Kaizer Chiefs
Samkelo Zwane
Mainly a benchwarmer last season, fan favourite 23-year-old Zwane is nowhere to be seen this campaign, not even making a matchday squad so far. We all know about his class and prowess on the ball, but doubts remain over his ability to do his defensive duties off the ball. This shortcoming could put paid to his Chiefs career before it truly begins.
Thulani Mabaso
Time is still on the 19-year-old’s side. However, the Chiefs midfield is stacked with Thabo Cele, Sibongiseni Mthethwa and new signing Siphesihle Ndlovu all offering bags of quality and experience. Mabaso’s time will come, but that time isn’t 2025-2026.
Tashreeq Morris
Flavio Silva and Etiosa Ighodaro have immediately increased Chiefs’ firepower and dropped their average age up front. 31-year-old Tashreeq Morris was never seen as a long-term option, but now the former SuperSport man might really think his time is already up. A classic number 9 with vast experience, there will be no shortage of suitors to take him on loan.
Happy Mashiane
The tility defender is a jack of all trades but a master of none. Now 27, Mashiane hasn’t ever been able to hold down a regular place in the first XI.
Naledi Hlongwane
The teenage striker made his debut on the opening day of the season against Stellies but hasn’t been spotted since. With several new attacking players signed to the club, his pathway to the first team is blocked for now.
When is Dortley returning for Kaizer Chiefs?
The first half of the campaign was one to forget for Chiefs. Rushwin Dortley, however, was one of the true bright sparks of a season threatening to peter out into nothing. The 23-year-old central defender from Cape Town immediately looked assured and at home in big matches for Chiefs, and indeed South Africa. Losing Dortley in March was a massive blow as the youngster needed surgery. Dortley quickly became a key pillar in the defence, making 21 appearances across all competitions before being struck down. The technical team will need to be cautious when they reintroduce him to the fold after such a lengthy layoff, but it’s undoubtedly a huge plus to see him on the comeback trail. As per the update below, Dortley has been out on the training grass since July. Clearly, the club is taking a cautious approach after the player’s first serious injury.
“Rushwin Dortley is running around a pitch, which is nearly empty – well, except for physiotherapist Phumzile Ngobese, who is monitoring the defender’s run closely,” Amakhosi announced on 15 July.
Who will coach Kaizer Chiefs against TS Galaxy?
After a superb start to the season, it’s back to the drawing board for Chiefs after their 3-1 home defeat to an impressive Sekhukhune side. Babina Noko and Sundowns are now the only remaining unbeaten sides in the division. Chiefs, meanwhile, face TS Galaxy away on Sunday, 21 September at 15:00.
