Kaizer Chiefs have three weeks to wait until their next Betway Premiership match but other issues are stirring in the background.
Kaizer Chiefs rumours: 07 October 2024
Motaung Jr denied wrongdoing in Velebayi chase
Chiefs’ Sporting Director has denied that the club directly contacted Asanele Velebayi’s parents to pitch a deal to them and sign the 21-year-old winger.
A famous European example of a similar controversial ‘tapping up’ situation occurred in 2009 when Man United allegedly paid Paul Pogba’s parents a significant chunk of cash to secure a move for the then-16-year-old midfielder from Le Havre. Via The Guardian:
“The controversy over Manchester United’s signing of the 16-year-old French midfielder Paul Pogba has taken a fresh twist, amid claims that the player’s parents were given €100,000 (£87,000) each, and a house, to bring him to Old Trafford.”
Three players knocking on the Bafana door
Rushwin Dortley is already the proud owner of two Bafana Bafana caps. That number will grow as Chiefs’ new central defensive signing from Cape Town Spurs has looked assured and classy at the highest level. Meanwhile, youngsters Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi have made goal-scoring starts to the season. Both were on target in their opening-day win over Marumo Gallants. Shabalala has started all four league games this season in the fabled number 10 role so 2024-2025 feels like the season that Mdu Shabalala becomes a key player for the club. Can he take that next step up for his country?
Chiefs’ weaknesses revealed?
Nkosingiphile Ngcobo is riddled with injuries and the club can’t continue to rely on his availability. Right now, the starting number 10 is Mduduzi Shabalala. Chiefs need another player who can pull the strings and create chances for the wide attackers and central striker. There’s been plenty of talk that Chiefs pursued Asanale Velebayi in the winter window and rumours suggest they’ll go back in for the Cape Town Spurs winger in January.
Signing Velebayi would kill two birds with one stone. He’d provide a genuine threat in wide areas, and he’d also give Chiefs the option of utilizing Gaston Sirino in a more central playmaking role, especially if/when Shabalala needs a rest or time out of the side.
Will Chiefs make another move for Velebayi in January?
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