Plenty of jersey numbers and playing positions have become cursed in world football. The Number 9 role at Kaizer Chiefs has become one of them.
Finding a reliable goal-getter has been an elusive task for the Chiefs recruitment team.
Cult favourite Samir Nurkovic feels like a footballer from a bygone era.
Finally, some good news for Kaizer Chiefs fans
Kaizer Chiefs striker curse
This list of strikers signed by the club since 2020 is a mixed bag to say the least:
- Samir Nurkovic
- Leonardo Castro
- Lazarous Kambole
- Christian Saile Basomboli
- Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana
- Efmamjjasond Gonzalez
- Ashley Du Preez
- Ranga Chivaviro
- Tashreeq Morris
- Flavio Silva
Kaizer Chiefs transfers: Three youngsters with mixed futures
Pitso Mosimane’s son heads to Italy
Only Nurkovic gets a pass
How many of these had a decent career for Chiefs, would you say? Nurkovic managed 21 goals and 10 assists from 78 Amakhosi appearances. Zambian star Kambole only managed two goals in 46 outings; other imports Bimenyimana, Saile and Gonzalez all battled to settle into the PSL’s playing style. Their numbers reflect that.
Bafana midfield maestro says ‘come get me’ to Kaizer Chiefs
Chiefs’ current crop is failing to impress
New man Flavio Silva has given birth to plenty of memes online after his poor performances in pre-season in the Netherlands, but we’ll give him time for now. Relatively new arrival Tashreeq Morris is a veteran of the South African scene but hardly a long-term option at 31. Also, he’s never been the most prolific player. For all of his industry and hard work, 28-year-old Ashley Du Preez is also not the answer. Can Etiosa Ighodaro come in and buck this trend, and will Chiefs even pull off a deal for the 24-year-old Nigerian?
More questions than answers.
REVEALED: Kaizer Chiefs’ next signing is coming from Cape Town

Is Baartman the solution for Kaizer Chiefs?
Meanwhile, Chiefs believed that targets Luke Baartman and Asanele Velebayi were no longer contractually tied to the Mother City outfit Cape Town Spurs. This, after Spurs’ relegation from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to the amateur ABC Motsepe League. Spurs are contesting Chiefs’ claims in court. 22-year-old winger Velebayi made 23 appearances in the 2023-2024 Betway Premiership season. Striker Baartman, still just 19, made nine league appearances in the same season, scoring twice.
Who should Chiefs be targeting as their new number 9?
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