Kaizer Chiefs sign Bafana Bafana winger Elias Mokwana

Kaizer Chiefs have signed South Africa international Elias Mokwana on a free transfer, with the 27-year-old becoming the club’s seventh arrival under head coach Fernando Da Cruz.

The Soweto club confirmed the move on Wednesday, bringing Mokwana back to South African football after he spent the past two seasons playing abroad.

Mokwana had been without a club since ending his contract with Esperance Sportive de Tunis by mutual agreement in mid-September this year. He joined the Tunisian side in 2024 from Sekhukhune United.

During his first season in Tunisia Ligue 1, the winger scored seven goals and provided four assists in 38 appearances.

He subsequently moved on loan to Al Hazem in the Saudi Pro League. That transfer was not made permanent, while a return to his parent club was complicated by Esperance Sportive de Tunis having already filled its foreign-player places.

The situation left Mokwana without regular football, prompting the decision to part ways with the Tunisian club. The player is also seeking consistent playing time in the hope of returning to the national team.

Kaizer Chiefs said Mokwana’s experience in North Africa and the Middle East was one of the factors behind his recruitment.

“Kaizer Chiefs have signed Bafana Bafana international Elias Mokwana. The talented winger joins the Club after gaining valuable experience in North Africa and the Middle East,” the club stated.

“The 27-year-old, who hails from KwaMhlanga in Mpumalanga, returns to South African football after spending the past two seasons abroad following his move from Sekhukhune United to Tunisian giants, Esperance Sportive de Tunis, in 2024.

“Welcome to the Kaizer Chiefs Family.”

Mokwana’s arrival is intended to strengthen a Chiefs attack Da Cruz is seeking to improve. The club are currently the third-highest scorers in the Betway Premiership, having found the net 14 times in nine matches.

League leaders Mamelodi Sundowns have scored 27 goals in 10 games, while second-placed Orlando Pirates have 21 goals from nine matches.

Chiefs’ announcement marks Mokwana’s return to domestic football after his spells in Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. His move to Kaizer Chiefs also gives him the opportunity to rebuild his match fitness and challenge for further involvement with Bafana Bafana.