With uncertainty surrounding their current defensive options, one of South Africa's biggest clubs has expanded their search for reinforcements beyond local shores, with scouts reportedly monitoring talent as far afield as Europe.
The Soweto giants are casting a wide net in their hunt for right-back solutions, with sources revealing a surprising Portuguese-based target has emerged alongside domestic options.
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Insiders close to the club have indicated that Kaizer Chiefs have spread their shopping net for a right back far and wide as far as Portugal where they are believed to have identified a South African born right back.
The source privy to reliable information disclosed to the Siya crew that Amakhosi are looking at Mhleli Innocent Mabuza who their scouts have been tracking and monitoring.
"Right back is one of the positions the team wants to bolster for next season and Mhleli Mabuza has emerged as one of the players that the club has been monitoring. Yes, he is playing in Portugal but he is a local boy and they believe he could apparently be happy to come home and play for Chiefs. But most importantly, the club is also convinced he can help in that department," the insider told Soccer Laduma.
Meanwhile a second insider stated that despite Amakhosi's interest in Mabuza they are not stopping looking at promoting young Sifiso Timba and also to look at Richards Bay right back Lwandile Mabuya.
"You know when you want to build a strong squad you don't just look at one or two players. Look at Mamelodi Sundowns, they have about four defenders who can play at right back. They have Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, Zuko Mdunyelwa and Keagan Johannes. And even others who can play in that position. Chiefs are apparently looking at building such a strong competition as well, so they are looking at all these right backs at the moment," the second source revealed.
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The KZN born Mabuza has been in Portugal since 2019 when he joined Lusitano and now the 24-year-old is playing for Louletano DC, where in the last two seasons he featured in most league games.
Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for comment but there was no response at the time of publishing.
This multi-faceted approach to solving their right-back concerns demonstrates Chiefs' determination to strengthen their squad comprehensively ahead of next season's domestic and continental campaigns. The interest in Mabuza particularly signals a willingness to look beyond conventional recruitment channels, potentially tapping into European experience while maintaining the club's commitment to South African talent.
With the uncertainty surrounding other defenders, securing quality in this position has clearly become a priority for Amakhosi's technical team. As Chiefs prepare for what promises to be a crucial transfer window following their Nedbank Cup success, their strategy of considering multiple options at varying experience levels suggests a thoughtful, long-term approach to building defensive depth under coach Nasreddine Nabi.
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