Kaizer Chiefs have been linked to many quality players over the years, but they have often missed out on signing them.
Amakhosi have struggled to finish in the top eight of the Betway Premiership for two consecutive seasons, despite bringing in nearly 20 players since 2023.
Last season, the Glamour Boys signed ten new players, but only three of them stood out among the rest. Over the past three years, Kaizer Chiefs have been connected with some of the best players in the PSL and across Africa.
Here, we highlight five notable players who were on Amakhosi’s radar but were never signed for various reasons.
Fiston Mayele
Mayele is undoubtedly one of the top five best strikers in Africa today. The 30-year-old Congolese player helped Pyramids win the CAF Champions League for the first time. In 2023, Amakhosi were advised to pursue this talented striker, but they opted instead for Ranga Chivaviro. If the Chiefs management had listened, they could have secured one of Africa’s deadliest strikers.
Kaizer Chiefs fumbled on Appollis and Mayele
Oswin Appollis
The Bafana Bafana winger was heavily linked to Amakhosi but surprisingly joined rivals Orlando Pirates earlier this month. Kaizer Chiefs boss Kaizer Motaung Jr. admitted last year that the club held talks with Polokwane City’s chairman, Johnny Mogaladi, regarding the winger.
Khanyiso Mayo
Mayo has been linked with Amakhosi since 2022 but missed out on a transfer last year after an offer from Algerian giants arrived just hours before Kaizer Chiefs could act. With only one striker signed for the season, some fans believe the club needs to invest heavily in a prolific forward.
Elias Mokwana
Mokwana has always been on Amakhosi’s radar, but Esperance moved quickly to secure him after the speedy winger impressed at the Africa Cup of Nations last year.
Fawaaz Basadien
Basadien is currently regarded as the best left-back in the country. Kaizer Chiefs attempted to sign the 28-year-old defender, but their offer was considered too low by Stellenbosch. It seems Amakhosi gave up easily and instead chose to purchase Bradley Cross from Golden Arrows.
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