Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela add shed more light on what the eight new players will bring to the team ahead of the new season.
The Soweto giants unveiled a host of new faces as they look to bring silverware back to the Naturena after a disappointing first spell under Komphela.
Arguably their biggest coup was luring Ramahlwe Mphahlele from Sundowns to Kaizer Chiefs, a move which Komphela believes will significantly strengthen his side. ‘Rama’ joins the club on a three-year deal and will don the number two jersey.
‘Rama is a solid defender and possesses the type of leadership qualities that we require at the back. His experience as an international, and a league champion will be of great benefit to us,’ said Komphela.
Komphela will also be able to call on the services of 26-year-old defender Sibusiso Khumalo who joins the club from SuperSport United. ‘The player comes highly recommended and it will be great to have him supporting Tsepo Masilela in the left-back position,’ added Komphela.
‘The player is impressive not only in defence but also gives us attacking options when going forward’.
Joining Khumalo in the move from Matsatsantsa to Amakhosi is Enocent Mkhabela. Speaking about the 27-year-old midfielder’s arrival, Komphela revealed he had been monitoring Mkhabela and highlighted his nature as a hard worker as key to club’s interest.
A move that has been talked about for some time was also confirmed on Monda as former Bloemfontein Celtic midfielder Keagan Buchanan penned a three-year contract. ‘Keagan is the type of player any coach would like as he can defend and attack with great tenacity. He has all the attributes to make a top class midfielder and will add an extra dimension to our midfield.’ said Komphela.
The team will be boosted by the infusion of some formidable firepower with the promotion of 20-year-old Emmanuel Letlotlo. Zambian international forward Lewis Macha joins Letlotlo in search of goals after being signed from Mozambican club, Ferroviário de Maputo. Komphela said: ‘We cast our eyes far and wide to ensure that we brought the kind of players we believe will quickly adjust to our style of play and are hungry for glory. We truly believe in Lewis’ talent.’
Edmore Chirambadare and Michelle Katsvairo also join the club, both from Zimbabwe’s Chicken Inn FC. Both players joined Chiefs on three-year deals.
‘We’ve looked carefully at all four of our new attackers and we are happy with the quality they will add to the team this coming season.
‘All the players are highly rated and keen to be part of our mission to reclaim our rightful place among the trophy hunters,’ mused Komphela.
‘The players are in shape and we will get to see them in action during the off-season when we play a number of competitive friendlies before the start of the season.’