Tshabalala urges Kaizer Chiefs to add more depth before new season

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala has warned that the club must make further signings if they are to compete effectively in the new season, despite already strengthening their squad during the transfer window.

Amakhosi have brought in Renaldo Leaner, Thabo Moloisane and Adolf Ntwaswingwa, while Khanyisa Mayo’s move to the club has also been made permanent. However, Tshabalala believes those additions may not be enough to give head coach Fernando da Cruz the depth required across the campaign.

The former Chiefs player said the club would need quality options throughout the squad rather than relying on a small number of key individuals.

“They want to sign the best players available, and I’m sure as time goes on, there will be those inclusions in the team. You need to have a strong squad to compete. You need to have depth that will help you to compete. The teams that are competing have got depth. They have got quality players as well, and you need everyone.

“You are in a position where you don’t have to rely on certain individuals but you rely on the team. On the squad that you have, you rely on those that are on the bench that will come and help the team,” Tshabalala told Soccer Laduma on the sidelines of the Betway Premiership launch on Wednesday.

His comments come as Chiefs continue to shape their squad ahead of the new campaign. The club’s recent activity has addressed some areas, but the need for more reinforcements remains a central issue as they prepare to compete.

Da Cruz has also spoken about the importance of adding players, with the Kaizer Chiefs head coach understood to be seeking further options in attacking positions. In particular, the club are looking for wingers and a number 10.

The coach’s assessment mirrors Tshabalala’s view that the squad must offer greater variety and competition for places. Additional attacking players would provide Chiefs with more alternatives from the starting line-up and the bench, while reducing the pressure on the individuals already in the squad.

Stellenbosch FC winger Langalihle Phili is reportedly among the players who could join the Soweto club before the new season begins. His potential arrival would give Da Cruz another option in one of the areas he has identified for strengthening.

Tshabalala’s warning therefore comes with Chiefs still active in their recruitment plans. Although Leaner, Moloisane and Ntwaswingwa have already arrived and Mayo’s stay has been secured permanently, the club legend believes further additions will be necessary to build a squad capable of sustaining a challenge.

For Tshabalala, the emphasis is not simply on securing a first-choice team. He said Chiefs must have enough quality among their substitutes to make a meaningful contribution whenever they are called upon, allowing the club to depend on the squad as a whole rather than on selected individuals.