The latest developments at Kaizer Chiefs could be seen as proof of the club's concerted efforts to make the supporters happy while working on turning things around for the team on the field.
Following the club's disappointing season where the team finished 10th on the log, Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Junior and his management team have been hard at work in preparing for the new season, with some notable changes being made.
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With some of the developments at the Soweto giants, it is becoming clear that the club is taking the supporters' concerns seriously and doing everything to improve the team while also mending the relationship with them.
In 2021, a group of Chiefs fans marched to Naturena to hand over a Memorandum to the management which contained the list of points they wanted the club to change.
The 12-point list consisted of the following topics, among others:
5. We demand effective utilisation of the football scouting department and for it to be empowered with resources and decision-making powers to embark on a renewal project. If used effectively, the scouting department has the ability to save the club money in the transfer market in the long run.
6. Our MDC team has flattered to deceive in the past couple of seasons with minimal output until recently. There has to be a concerted effort to develop players not only for the club but for the overseas market and more crucially our MDC team should be a catalyst to build relationships with less resourced clubs. Furthermore, this will generate revenue which will ensure the club's sustainability into the future.
This week, Chiefs confirmed the transfer of academy graduate Steven Mendes to Swedish top-tier side Hammarby, while Thembela Maliwa has been appointed to the role of Head of Scouting and Recruitment after leaving champions Mamelodi Sundowns where he has enjoyed success in a similar role over the last seven years.
With the appointment of Nasreddine Nabi, which has also been welcomed by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos as being good for South African football, Amakhosi have been lauded by many for what seems to be a step in the right direction in line with the fans' 2021 demands for the Soweto giants to restore the 'lost playing philosophy and status' as a big club.
The signings of Gaston Sirino (Sundowns), Bongani Sam (Orlando Pirates), Rushwin Dortley (Cape Town Spurs), Fiacre Ntwari (TS Galaxy) and Inacio Miguel (Petro de Luanda) are being seen as fitting in attempts for recruiting quality players to build a competitive squad, which was also one of the demands on the list by the supporters.
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"It is a step in the right direction for the club. It is all hands on deck and everyone is aiming towards the same goal. We all hope the team will get the desired results in the end for the club to improve," a close source said, speaking to the Siya crew.
Several influential figures in local football and abroad, including John Comitis and Tim Sukazi who are the chairmen of Cape Town City and TS Galaxy respectively, have spoken about the importance for Chiefs to become competitive again in the league for the progression of football in the country, and it seems the Sporting Director and his team at Naturena have heeded the call.
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