The winds of change continue to sweep through Naturena as Kaizer Chiefs gear up for another season of rebuilding, with the indications strongly linking Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane with moves to the Soweto giants following their exits from Orlando Pirates. However, the potential for a nostalgic reunion between the duo and their former Buccaneers’ teammate Bongani Sam appears remote – if not completely off the cards.
Sam, who himself was a surprise acquisition by Chiefs prior to the start of the 2024/25 season, finds himself in a precarious position at the club after an underwhelming debut campaign that never really got off the ground.
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While Mako and Monyane are being primed for fresh starts at Naturena, Sam’s future looks anything but secure.
At 27, Bongani Sam was meant to be entering his prime when Chiefs brought him in on a three-year deal, which included an option for a further year. Yet, as the dust settles on the season, Sam’s stats at Amakhosi read like a ghost entry: zero minutes played across all competitions.
It’s not just injury that has plagued Sam’s stint at Chiefs. Even when he returned to fitness, he was not selected – an indication that the technical staff did not see him fitting into the team's tactical plans. Compounding his situation is the fact that he also arrived at Naturena after a six-month spell on the sidelines, having last featured in competitive action back in December 2023.
The situation is made worse by the club’s depth at left-back. Amakhosi already have three senior players competing for the position: Edmilson Dove, Bradley Cross, and Happy Mashiane.
“He (Sam) is one of the players likely to be affected by the changes at the club. It’s a tough situation for him because he hasn’t played at all, yet he still has a long-term contract. Ideally, a loan move would be best for his career at this point. But as things stand, he’s unlikely to be part of the squad next season,” said a source close to the situation.
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If Mako’s move to Chiefs materialises, the former Pirates fan-favourite would instantly become a strong contender for the left-back position – effectively pushing Sam further down the pecking order.
Mako’s proven track record, high work rate, and versatility make him a logical upgrade over Sam, especially for a club in desperate need of solidifying their backline.
