The timing couldn’t be better for Kaizer Chiefs as they announced three new signings on Monday, ahead of this weekend’s Soweto Derby against eternal rivals Orlando Pirates.
The signings themselves were no major surprise, but it was made official that Chiefs have signed Tashreeq Morris, Thabo Cele and Makabi Lilepo. In fact, the January transfer window closed on Tuesday, and therefore the AmaKhosi left it until the last minute before they put pen to paper.
All three players will hope to play a part, however small, against Pirates in their much-anticipated battle against Pirates at FNB Stadium on Saturday. Lilepo, though, will not likely feature as the Congolese international signing from French outfit Valenciennes FC still needs to sort out his work permit.
On the signing of Cele, Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr was quoted on FarPost as saying: “It’s been a long time coming for Thabo, and we are both glad that he’s finally here. We know his quality and we are looking forward to his contribution to the squad as we continue to build.”
2024 to forget
Chiefs have quietly worked their way up to fifth in the Betway Premiership table after a 2024 they would prefer to forget. In 27 matches across all competitions last year, Chiefs won just seven matches and collected six victories in their 24 league encounters.
The signing of Morris in particular, has been seen as an attempt by Chiefs to bag more goals.
Though Chiefs rank third in goals scored this season in the league with 17 strikes, they are some way behind Pirates (22) and Mamelodi Sundowns (24).
Meanwhile, Roger de Sa, a former coach of Morris when he was a youngster at Ajax Cape Town said he would not likely become a prolific goalscorer for Chiefs.