Orlando Pirates recently released two of their players in left-back Paseka Mako and right-back Thabiso Monyane, who have immediately been linked with moves to cross-town rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
With the two being linked to Amakhosi, former Chiefs winger Junior Khanye believes that it won't be a good idea for the club to sign players released by Pirates.
READ: High-Ranking Insider Pushes Pirates Toward Rulani
Talking to Soccer Laduma in an exclusive interview, Khanye said that instead of signing those players released by Pirates, Chiefs can look at their own development products who understand the team's culture and philosophy.
"I was surprised when I heard that Monyane had been released by Pirates. They have invested a lot in him from their development and for them to let him go just like that I don't understand. Yes, he was not playing regularly but there are players like Thabiso Lebitso who just played a few games and got injured. Why keep Lebitso and release Monyane? It's like sending your child to school, pay school fees, finish school and when they are not working then you abandon them. That's not good. And for him going to Chiefs it's not a good idea. I think it will be the same when they signed (Dillan) Solomons from Swallows and he didn't fit in at Chiefs. Just like Pirates, Chiefs have their own culture and philosophy and I don't think he can fit in there. And again he has not been playing regularly at Pirates. Why sign him at Chiefs?" Khanye told Soccer Laduma.
Khanye further stated that as for Paseka Mako, it's unfortunate that such a good left-back was not given the chance to prove himself at Pirates.
"Make no mistake, Mako is the best left back South Africa has at the moment. A Mamelodi Sundowns product who was not given enough chances to prove himself at Pirates when he joined from Chippa United. I think it's a mistake to play Deon Hotto ahead of Mako. That's a mistake. Although he is good, I think Pirates made a mistake to release him and I don't think it is a good idea for Chiefs to sign him. The system Chiefs are currently playing doesn't suit his style. And you need to sign other players who would compliment him, and so far Chiefs haven't yet signed any player. You see the way Bradley Cross plays? That's how Chiefs want to play and that's not Mako's style. And again there could have been no need of looking for a left back if Chiefs didn't let go of the young Omega Mdaka who is now at Stellenbosch FC. Look at that boy! What a player! A great left back going forward and also defending. That's the player they can be looking at, not Paseka Mako," Khanye told the Siya crew.
Meanwhile, Khanye added that there was a mistake in Chiefs signing Bongani Sam last season.
"Kaizer Chiefs are a big team. They have everything to assess a player whether he is fit enough or has some injury problems. I think they should have done better on checking Sam's fitness before signing him and they should not repeat the same mistake with Monyane or Mako," Khanye concluded.
READ: Could Saleng Move To Chiefs: Pirates Update
So far, Chiefs are yet to announce any new signings as they prepare for their pre-season training camp in the Netherlands.
Khanye's assessment underlines the potential pitfalls of cross-rivalry transfers in South African football. While the availability of experienced PSL defenders might seem appealing for Chiefs, the analyst Khanye's caution about cultural fit and playing style compatibility raises valid concerns.
With Nabi seemingly focused on implementing a specific system, the Amakhosi management may need to prioritise technical suitability over opportunity when making defensive reinforcements ahead of their European training camp.
