After Kaizer Chiefs made three new signings in January, Soccer Laduma analyses how the arrival of Tashreeq Morris, Thabo Cele and Makabi Lilepo affects the off-season transfer plans.
Defence
Chiefs did not strengthen their defence in January and there will be changes in the off-season.
Amakhosi prioritized upgrading their left-back position in the mid-season window with Simba left-back Mohammed Husseini a prime target, but could not get the deal over the line.
The Glamour Boys are expected to revisit their interest in Fawaaz Basadien, as Stellenbosch would have time to look for his replacement.
Chiefs could also look to strengthen in the central defence, with Zitha Kwinika expected not to be retained after expiry of his contract.
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Midfield
The signing of Cele makes Chiefs comfortable heading into the winter transfer window and not many changes are expected.
Amakhosi should have enough depth, particularly with the return from injury of midfielder Edson Castillo.
Samkelo Zwane would be tasked to learn the trade from Cele while Yusuf Maart, George Matlou, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Sibongiseni Mthethwa add to the options.
Attack
The signing of Lilepo has shown that head coach Nasreddine Nabi prefers to play with wingers, who stretch the pitch rather than cut inside.
Previously, Nabi was forced to use Wandile Duba out wide and Amakhosi could look to strengthen further in the wings, as the Democratic Republic of Congo attacker can also play as a centre forward.
The Soweto giants will also remain in the market for strikers in spite of signing Morris.
The Tunisian coach also likes to play with big centre forwards as target men and with Ranga Chivaviro not delivering and his contract expiring on 30 June, he could make way for upgrades in the forward line.
Chiefs targets include Young Africans striker Clement Mzize, who played under Nabi and Cedric Kaze at Yanga.
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Goalkeeper
Chiefs have been struggling to keep clean sheets this season and although Bruce Bvuma has seemingly won the number one spot after an erratic start by Fiacre Ntwari, Amakhosi will still be looking out for a quality shot-stopper.
The Glamour Boys have already proposed a swap deal with Chippa United for Nigeria's number one, Stanley Nwabali, with Ntwari going the other way, as previously reported by the Siya crew.
