Former Kaizer Chiefs star Junior Khanye has delivered praise for the club's recruitment team, declaring that Lebogang Maboe's signing represents a rare occasion he fully supports transfer decisions.
Khanye has expressed genuine excitement about the club's latest additions to their squad.
Read: Are Sundowns Paying The Price For Their Success?
Speaking to Soccer Laduma in an exclusive interview following Tuesday's unveiling of former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Maboe, Khanye said he wishes Chiefs had also signed Sipho Mbule to form a formidable central midfield partnership.
"It's good that Chiefs could sign Maboe. It's the first time I agree with them. We have to give credit where it's due. You see, whoever identified this guy and Luke Baartman, I compliment them for signing these guys. Let me compliment them about Maboe. Let me compliment these two players without jealousy. I said, when they do the right thing I will change," Khanye told the Siya crew.
Khanye was particularly impressed with Maboe's qualities as a defensive midfielder.
"Maboe is one of the best defensive midfielders. But we have to talk about a specific position. Best defensive midfielder. They were lacking a player of Maboe's calibre. Fearless, very comfortable on the ball. Hard working. He links defence with attack. He is a very experienced international player. Played in the Champions League with Sundowns. Chiefs were short of a player like him. I applaud them for that. Now the coach has to use him in the right way," Khanye added.
Khanye expressed surprise at Sundowns' decision to release such a quality player but acknowledged the competitive nature of the Brazilians' squad.
"Chiefs have made a great signing! I am surprised why Sundowns had released him. But, anyway, Sundowns have many players, and players like Maboe cannot just stay without playing. He is one of the best defensive midfielders, but at Sundowns he could not play because at Sundowns they have many options. Sometimes you have many top players in your position. Sometimes luck has to be on your side. They should have signed a number 10 for him. They have signed a quality player. They are just short of a midfielder who would complement him."
Then Khanye went on to state how he believes that ideal partner would have been Mbule in midfield. Though, Orlando Pirates recently went on to sign Mbule despite calls for the player to join Amakhosi.
"For me, Maboe is underrated in South Africa. But with the experience he is bringing to Kaizer Chiefs, he played for the best team on the continent. He is not coming from just an ordinary squad. He has a lot of experience. I would have loved to see Maboe play with Sipho Mbule at Chiefs. They could have made a deadly combination together. But I compliment Chiefs for signing Maboe," Khanye told Soccer Laduma.
Regarding Luke Baartman, Khanye urged patience while acknowledging the young midfielder's potential.
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"He is not ready-made, but there is huge potential in that boy, you see. There is huge potential in that boy Baartman, the coach should just know how to use him. With players who play the ball, you need a philosophy that will suit their style. So Baartman, if he was already made, we were short of a player like him. They just have to be patient with him if you look at the age of the boy," Khanye concluded.
With 10 new signings this season, Chiefs have clearly prioritised squad overhaul, and Khanye's approval suggests they may be moving in the right direction. Amakhosi have won their opening three games and now have a big test against Sundowns on Wednesday night.
