Kaizer Chiefs trio closing in on Hope FC loan moves

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Samkelo Zwane is reportedly close to joining Motsepe Foundation Championship newcomers Hope FC on loan, with an announcement expected from the Cape Town club in the coming days.

Zwane spent the previous season on loan at Siwelele FC in the Betway Premiership but struggled to establish himself as a regular under head coach Lehlohonolo Seema. He has not played for the Kaizer Chiefs first team this season, with the Soweto club seeking a temporary destination where he can secure more playing time.

Hope FC are understood to be on the verge of completing a deal for Zwane as they prepare for their first campaign in the Championship. The move would give the midfielder another opportunity to develop away from Kaizer Chiefs after an unsuccessful spell at Siwelele FC.

The Cape Town side are also expected to take goalkeeper Bontle Molefe on loan for the season. Molefe recently extended his contract with Kaizer Chiefs and spent the second half of last season at Leicesterford City.

However, the goalkeeper was unable to play regularly during that spell and now appears set to move again in search of consistent first-team football while he waits for a longer-term opportunity with the Soweto giants.

Molefe had previously attracted interest from Real Native FC, formerly known as Casric Stars. Their coach, Bucs Mthombeni, confirmed that interest, although the two clubs were unable to reach an agreement over a loan transfer.

Hope FC subsequently entered the race and are now believed to be close to announcing the goalkeeper’s arrival.

Kaizer Chiefs striker Naledi Hlongwane is also expected to join Hope FC on loan for the campaign. That would give the Championship newcomers three players from Amakhosi as they seek to make a strong impression in their debut season at that level.

Hope have already signalled their ambition in the transfer market by recruiting a number of experienced players. Their additions include Miguel Timm, Thamsanqa Magwaza, Nande Wetbooi and Tauric Gamildien.

The club’s recruitment drive reflects its determination to compete immediately in the Motsepe Foundation Championship rather than simply treat the season as an introduction to the division. The potential arrival of Zwane, Molefe and Hlongwane would further strengthen a squad that has already attracted attention before the new campaign begins.

For Kaizer Chiefs, the proposed moves would provide three players with opportunities for regular football elsewhere. Zwane and Molefe both found game time limited during their previous loan spells, while Hlongwane would also be able to continue his development through a sustained run in competitive football.

Hope FC are expected to confirm the deals in the coming days, although the moves had not yet been formally announced at the time of the report.