Kaizer Chiefs’ latest transfer decisions have sparked a storm of criticism, with South African football legend Lucas Radebe leading the charge. The former Bafana Bafana captain and Leeds United icon has openly voiced his disappointment over the club’s signing of Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane, two former Orlando Pirates players who joined Amakhosi on free transfers.
Radebe, a former defensive stalwart for the Chiefs, expressed his concerns in an interview with iDiski Times, stating that the club’s current recruitment strategy lacks ambition, direction, and long-term vision.
“In my opinion, Kaizer Chiefs are not what they once were,” Radebe lamented. “A reliable scouting strategy that actively seeks out fresh talent is essential. Football is evolving. Coaches need ready-made players, but also those with hunger and growth potential. This current approach has failed us.”
The criticism comes amid growing frustration among fans over the club’s prolonged trophy drought and perceived decline in competitive stature. Radebe emphasized the need for investment in grassroots scouting, nurturing young players with the hunger and drive to succeed rather than relying on veteran players released by rival clubs.
Joining Radebe in his disapproval was Farouk Khan, a respected youth coach and former Chiefs assistant. Khan echoed the legend’s sentiments, arguing that the club is prioritizing short-term fixes over sustainable success.
“Chiefs should be building for the future, not patching holes with aging players who may not offer long-term value,” said Khan. “We need to return to the days when Chiefs developed stars, not borrowed them.”
Fan Reactions: Outrage and Agreement
The critique resonated strongly with supporters, many of whom took to social media to express solidarity with Radebe’s views.
On X (formerly Twitter), user @SihleTGeneral10 declared, “In that respect, Lucas Radebe is absolutely correct.” Another user, @Bernard17, added, “The club’s steady collapse has been accelerated by a string of bad purchases since the slide began.”
Even long-time loyalists voiced disappointment. “Quite a few of us Chiefs supporters are let down. In comparison to Sundowns and even Pirates, Chiefs lack ambition,” wrote one frustrated fan.
Some critics turned their attention to the Motaung family, who have long owned and managed the club. @itisjusstooeazy commented, “The Motaung family’s control of Chiefs guarantees the club’s continued stagnation.”
@MinisterWP noted the silencing of dissent within the fanbase, tweeting, “Those who back it are insulted when they speak out. ‘Let them run it how they want,’ because it is a family business.”
A Club in Transition or in Trouble?
Kaizer Chiefs are undergoing a significant transition period, but many see recent moves as emblematic of deeper issues — particularly when compared to rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, who have consistently outperformed Chiefs in both talent acquisition and on-pitch results.
The club’s last major title came in 2015, and recent seasons have been marked by managerial instability, inconsistent performances, and growing discontent from the stands.
While the signings of Mako and Monyane may have been intended to inject experience and depth into the squad, critics argue they reflect a reactive, uninspired approach rather than a bold plan to restore the club’s former glory.
What’s Next for Amakhosi?
As Chiefs prepare for pre-season and another attempt at revitalization, pressure is mounting on the club’s hierarchy to prove that they still possess the vision, strategy, and footballing intelligence needed to compete at the highest level.
Whether Radebe’s words spark meaningful change or are dismissed as nostalgia remains to be seen. But for now, the chorus of disapproval is growing louder, and Amakhosi fans are demanding more than just familiar names in new jerseys — they’re asking for a revival.
