Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung believes his side have found the missing pieces of the puzzle during the recently concluded transfer window.

Chiefs released a total of 16 players in recent months, while they also brought in five new players as Ernst Middendorp has looked to trim his squad.

Lazalous Kambole, Samir Nurkovic, James Kotei, Kearyn Baccus and Yagan Sasman were all signed to make an impact in the starting eleven. Nurkovic, and Baccus in particular, have already been impressive in the opening few games of the season.

After a window with a massive shake-up at the club, Motaung released an overview to the club’s official site.

‘You can never say you are done in this game. This is a journey. For now, we have what we need in terms of our strategy going forward. We are on track and now our focus is on rolling up the sleeves and work hard to achieve the set objectives.

‘The market is not a bed of roses. We go into the market knowing there will always be challenges, but I am happy we found the missing pieces of the puzzle. We had to make changes as part of resolving the challenges we faced last season but also to plan for the continuous improvement of the team,’ added the football manager.

‘Look, at times players come here at the back of good performances and highly recommended. However, with all intents and purposes, some players fail to make the expected grade and some with their immense talent can’t adapt to our demanding set-up. Pressure comes in different forms; it can be competition or simply the overwhelming pressure that comes with the jersey and the badge,’ said Motaung on the exits from Naturena.

Yusuf Bunting, Mario Booysen, Ryan Moon, Brylon Petersen, Khotso Malope, Teenage Radebe, Gustavo Páez, Hendrick Ekstein, Bhongolethu Jayiya, Virgil Vries, Andriamirado ‘Dax’ Andrianarimanana, Emmanuel Letlotlo and Letlhogonolo Mirwa were all among the departures.

Motaung admitted that the club benefited from planning for the window well in advance.

‘In terms of the new arrivals, we did our planning well in advance before the previous season came to an end. I can say all the negotiations went very well and finally we welcomed the five players we needed this season. This is a process; you might find that in the January window period arises the need to effect some changes.’

Bobsteak was also quick to praise the young players who have earned their promotion to the first team.

‘We also look into the future, hence we promoted youngster from the MDC Team, Twala, and already we had mid-season promoted Njabulo Blom [full back], Bontle Molefe [goalkeeper] and Happy Mashiane [left back],’ he added.

‘Things are looking great. It is work in progress, though. It is still early days but very important to have a good start. Credit must go to our supporters for always keeping us in check. We are here to serve this badge and the supporters. We are grateful the supporters are voting positively by attending the matches in big numbers.’

As Middendorp has done on countless occasions so far this season, Motaung praised the impact of players returning after being injured for large parts of last season.

‘We must also note some of our players return to play after struggling with injuries last season. Players such as Lebo Manyama and Mulomowandau Mathoho have shrugged off their injuries and already showing fine form early in the season. Remember there is Itumeleng Khune as well who was injured for the better part of last season. He is declared fit to play now which creates good competition in the goalkeeping area,’ he concluded.