Kaizer Chiefs Transfer News: Two deals in Ghana Premier League Amakhosi must complete before 2022-2023 season starts
The South African Premier Soccer League 2022-2023 season starts in a week time with almost all clubs ready for the upcoming season. Since the opening of the African transfer window, PSL clubs have worked closely to sign prospective targets ahead of the new season.
Last season, Mamelodi Sundowns lifted the league title for a fifth time in a row but will see the likes of Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs challenge them for this season’s ultimate.
But it will require much strategic quality signings and adequate preparations to overthrow Sundowns from the summit.
It appears that Kaizer Chiefs are already on the right track to see off Sundowns in race for PSL glory that will become the club’s first since their last one in 2015. The right track starts with appointment of former player Arthur Zwane- someone who has fresh on-the-pitch knowledge and knows much about Kaizer Chiefs to lead the technical lines.
Besides, Chiefs have strengthened their setup with at least seven new signings under Zwane’s rebuilding after announcing deals for Ashley du Preez, Yusuf Maart, Dillon Solomons, Lehlogonolo Matlou, Komohelo Mahlatsi, Siyethemba Sithebe and Zitha Kwinika.
Chiefs are also assessing the possibility of signing Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana who is on trial, and Darren Smith who has proven his worth in Finland.
Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly looking forward to sign a striker in a must move that they must to make to boost their PSL chances. Their new signings contain Ashley du Preez as the only signed center forward where Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana and Darren Smith could also join to add up the numbers in center forward.
They have been into the Ghana Premier League for that man to join the attacking force but appears to fail in a deal for Asante Kotoko forward Franck Thierry Etouga Mbella who is close to moving to Freiburg.
Mbella, who had lead the chat throughout the season, missed out on the Ghana Premier League goal-king in last day of the season after Ash Gold’s Yaw Annor struck twice at Bibiani to overtook the Cameroonian for the prestigious award.
Mbella’s Amakhosi addition would have been the ‘X’ factor’ given the Cameroonian’s exploit in front of goal but the Glamour Boys will have to compete above exceptional to win the race for the 21-year old’s signature due to stiffer competition from Europe.
The attacker has reportedly set his sight on a move outside Africa giving European clubs the edge over competitors including Al Ahly and Kaizer Chiefs who are the two clubs heavily linked with the Cameroonian International this summer though other clubs- Simba Sporting Club and Young Africans are also interested
With a deal for the former AS Fortuna man unlikely for Kaizer Chiefs this summer, his compatriot George Mfegue would be the perfect alternative. Mfegue like Mbella joined Asante Kotoko at the beginning of last season with the duo making the most impact in Kotoko’s league triumph.
Mbella scored 21 league goals and Mfegue netted 8 times to emerge the second top scorer at club level. The 25-year has proven to be a competent goal scorer after netting double figures (12) at his former side Avion du Nkam a season before joining the Ghana Premier League champions.
Mfegue will be the perfect man for Kaizer Chiefs off Mbella only that the facial stats seems to slowly silenced the former. According former Asante Kotoko former boss Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum- resigned as we speak, who won the club’s league last season, Mfegue was the most technical player of the squad he worked with last term.
The Cameroonian International proved he was equally effective in any of the three roles behind the striker, and equally functions perfectively in the center forward position.
Chiefs would be offered a 4-in-1 qualities but could focus only on his center forward competence when they go in for Mfegue. His physical presence, energy and independence suit Kaizer Chiefs’ style of play.
He can perform in Chiefs; long and direct ball approach and very strong in air. This is a man Kaizer Chiefs cannot afford to miss if they need a center forward.
Apart from Mfegue, Kaizer Chiefs should also start making enquiry about and sign another Ghana Premier League star Razak Kassim who plays for Great Olympics in the capital.
Chiefs appear to reach carrying capacity in midfield but when an exceptional player becomes available in the transfer market, certain barriers are broken to make room for these players.
Razak Kassim is an exceptional talent in the Ghana Premier League dominating the midfield when Ghana beat Benin 3-0 at the Cape Coast Stadium in CHAN qualifiers last Saturday.
Kassim’s exceptionality in defensive role has not only attracted interest from giants Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak but has also earned consideration for Black Stars call-up with only few local players receiving senior national team recommendation while playing in Ghana.
Kassim has been linked with a move to Kotoko and Hearts amid the duo’s journey to Africa this season with the champions reportedly the front-runners. The current low tension in the club could serve Kaizer Chiefs a big advantage to burst into the scene for the Ghanaian International.
Kassim’s physicality, power and skills will match Chief’s play. Great Olympics is understood to consider a sale as Chiefs may face competition from Kotoko and Hearts of Oak who have all opened negotiations with Kassim’s club.
But Chiefs are already favourites even when they are yet to make official approach as first, Olympics will be more willing to do business with the South African side whom Olympics believe they can pay more for Kassim.
And second, Kassim himself ready for big salary with Chiefs rather than Kotoko and Hearts of Oak more able to give him that salary. The two factors have already given the PSL side the edge over the deal, is only a matter of when to make their interest and approach official to Great Olympics.
