Amid poor performances and pressure to keep their hard to please fans happy, Kaizer Chiefs has strengthened the squad by signing three new players during the January transfer window which closes on Tuesday.
The Glamour Boys welcomed Tashreeq Morris from SuperSport United, Thabo Cele from Russian side, Fakel Voronezh and Glody Makabi Lilepo from French-based club Valenciennes FC.
The timing of the signature could work in Chiefs favour, as Morris and Cele might feature in the Soweto derby at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Lilepo, who’s from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is however not eligible to feature on Saturday, as he still must sort out his work permit.
Morris, who signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, is part of a strategic swap deal, which will see striker Christian Saile head the other way.
“He is an experienced striker who came highly recommended by coach Nabi and his technical team after their assessment.
We wish him all the best in the Gold & Black colours while here with us,” said Chiefs Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr.
The KwaMashu-born Cele, has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Amakhosi, which includes an option for an additional year.
The 28-year-old left the country in 2016 to pursue a career overseas, where he played for Real SC, Benfica, and Cova Piedade in Portugal between 2016 and 2019.
He subsequently moved to Poland to play for Radomiak, and his most recent contract was with the Russian side, Fakel Voronezh.
With a wealth of international experience, Cele has also represented South Africa at various junior levels, including U20 and U23, in addition to earning caps for the senior team, Bafana Bafana.
“It’s been a long time coming for Thabo, and we are both glad that he’s finally here.
We know his quality and we are looking forward to his contribution to the squad as we continue to build,” remarked Motaung Jnr.
The Sporting Director is confident that Lilepo will boost the team’s attacking options.
According to Motaung Jnr, the 27-year-old plays primarily as a “goal scoring right winger with a penchant for taking defenders on in a manner that is sure to thrill Amakhosi supporters.”
He has 11 international caps for his national team, and before moving to France, he played for Al Hilal in Sudan and AS Vita in his homeland.
He also carries a wealth of experience in the CAF Championships League where he represented Al Hilal and AS Vita.
“We are very pleased to announce the acquisition of a player with his experience and wish him all the best.
We’ll do our utmost to help him settle in quickly and look forward to seeing him in action soon,” explained Motaung Jnr.
Chiefs is hopeful that the new signings, will help the team win a silverware this year and qualify for the continental cup competitions.
The club currently sit on 5th position in the log, after 14 games and only managed 21 points.
