Kaizer Chiefs have wasted no time in building for the future by offering a three-year contract to one of their brightest emerging stars, Thulani Mabaso. The 20-year-old midfielder impressed the technical team during the club’s pre-season camp in the Netherlands, prompting swift action from the club’s hierarchy.
According to a well-placed source at Naturena, Amakhosi view Mabaso as a vital part of their long-term strategy. The club has handed him a deal that runs from July 2025 to June 2028, with an option to extend it until 2029.
“He is the one who could feature more this season amongst those recently promoted and they are believed to have offered him a three-year contract with a one-year option. He has done very well in the pre-season and all the involved parties are happy with what’s going on regarding his contract,” the source stated.
Mabaso primed to step into Castillo’s boots
With Venezuelan midfielder Edson Castillo parting ways with the Glamour Boys, Chiefs have turned to their youth structures to fill the void. Thulani Mabaso, a defensive midfielder known for his composure and work rate, now appears to be the club’s internal solution.
The talented youngster played a key role for Chiefs’ DStv Diski Challenge side. And steadily earned the trust of the senior team, often training alongside first-team regulars last season. His promotion now seems like a natural progression.
Chiefs back youth as part of squad revamp
Kaizer Chiefs’ decision to reward Mabaso’s growth with a long-term contract highlights their renewed commitment to promoting talent from within. With the club undergoing a reshuffle under new leadership, including head coach Nasreddine Nabi. The focus has clearly shifted toward youth development and squad rejuvenation.
Expectations around Mabaso’s integration into the senior setup remain high. Should he replicate his pre-season form in competitive matches. Chiefs fans may witness the emergence of a new midfield anchor at the heart of Amakhosi’s engine room.
Can the Kaizer Chiefs starlet Mabaso replace the likes of Castillo and Maart?
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