Kaizer Chiefs are halfway through the 2025/26 campaign. This series hands out report cards for all 11 new signings brought in at Amakhosi this season.
The reviews start at the back and to the frontline. Following Thabiso Monyane’s report, the next player on the list is left-back Nkanyiso Shinga, a signing that has yet to leave the starting blocks.
NKANYISO SHINGA STRUGGLES AT KAIZER CHIEFS
There was plenty of excitement when Amakhosi signed Shinga from Portuguese side FC Alverca. The Durban-born defender arrived in July after three departures at left-back. Edmilson Dove, Happy Mashiane and Bongani Sam all opened up the left-sided full-back role.
The 25-year-old seemingly had a glorious opportunity to own Kaizer Chiefs’ left-back position, but things don’t always work out in this game.
BRADLEY CROSS AND PASEKA MONYANE AHEAD OF NKANYISO SHINGA
Halfway through the season, Shinga has not kicked a single competitive ball for Amakhosi. His only appearance came in a pre-season friendly against Asante Kotoko. Since then, he hasn’t made a single matchday squad.
Fellow left-back Paseka Mako recovered from two separate injuries and has already clocked nine appearances this season. Another Kaizer Chiefs option, Cross, has featured 14 times. The numbers alone tell the story: opportunities came and went without Shinga being in the conversation.
Part of the challenge appears to be adaptation. It is believed that the technical demands and tempo of the Betway Premiership have proved a step too high so far for the former KZN Football Academy product. Shinga arrived at Kaizer Chiefs having never played professional football in South Africa.
His football education came abroad, largely in the lower tiers of Portuguese football. Before FC Alverca, Shinga turned out for Juventude Evora SC, SC Covilha, CD Pinhalnovense, and Vitoria de Setubal FC U23.
Will Shinga make a late adaptation in the second half of the season, or is he on his way in January?
Mid-term report card: Unsuccessful – 1/10.
