Former Kaizer Chiefs star Junior Khanye has weighed in on the club’s transfer strategy, suggesting that Amakhosi should shift focus towards signing proven, high-calibre local talent after missing out on Sipho Mbule.
Khanye, known for his no-holds-barred analysis, expressed disappointment in Chiefs’ trend of signing what he suggests are unknown foreign players and believes the club must now turn its attention to high-impact names like Thembinkosi Lorch and Neo Maema to revive their fortunes.
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“Kaizer Chiefs should have done what Orlando Pirates did by signing Sipho Mbule, although I know they might have had their doubts based on his off-the-field history,” Khanye told Soccer Laduma.
“But you can make up for that by including clauses in the contracts that will reprimand the boy from misbehaving, because at the end of the day he is a very talented player who can make a difference in the team.”
Khanye believes the door is still open for Mbule to flourish in the domestic game and possibly even make the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
“There is a big chance for Mbule to go to AFCON this year if he can be guided properly and be allowed to shine, because talent is there for him and it’s natural,” he added.
With Chiefs opting against signing Mbule, Khanye is now urging the club to go all out for Mamelodi Sundowns duo Lorch and Maema, players he believes possess the kind of quality Amakhosi desperately need.
“Chiefs have been bringing some players we don’t know, and it’s difficult to comment on them without having properly seen them playing,” Khanye continued.
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“As a result, the club has been disappointing in the past 10 years, and I believe something has to change. Players like (Jasond) Gonzalez were brought here, (Arohasina) Andrianarimanana, (Anthony) Agay, and the list is endless.”
“Apart from Mbule, Chiefs is supposed to sign Neo Maema and Thembinkosi Lorch, if they can negotiate with Sundowns. Quality is so expensive, and those are the kinds of players that Chiefs should aim for. Chiefs is a big brand, and the club needs talented players who can quickly make a difference,” concluded Khanye.
