Khune warns Kaizer Chiefs ‘must spend’ to compete in Africa as transfer worries grow

Former Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune has warned that his old club risk being underprepared for a return to continental competition unless they intensify their transfer activity before the new season.

The veteran goalkeeper, regarded as a club legend at Naturena, says Amakhosi “need to go to the market” to strengthen a squad that will be juggling domestic competitions with a CAF Confederation Cup campaign in 2026/27.

His comments come as Chiefs, one of South Africa’s most followed clubs, continue a relatively modest rebuild despite pressure from supporters to return to the summit of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and re-establish themselves as a force in African football.

Limited transfer movement raises concerns

Chiefs have only added a handful of new faces since the end of last season.

On their recent pre-season tour of Spain, the Soweto giants had just two new signings in their travelling party: central defender Thabo Moloisane and goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner. Both arrived on free transfers following the expiry of their contracts at Stellenbosch FC and Sekhukhune United respectively.

The club has since moved to bolster midfield steel, completing the signing of Tanzanian defensive midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko from Azam FC. Chiefs confirmed his arrival on Tuesday, ahead of Sunday’s Toyota Cup encounter against Scottland FC at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenburg.

However, speaking before Bitegeko’s move was announced, Khune said he felt the window had been too quiet for a club facing the demands of continental football.

“I think, to be quite honest with you, the club needs to go to the market and sign players because they’ll be competing in the CAF Confederation Cup. So, they need to beef up the squad,” Khune said during a FIFA World Cup viewing event over the weekend.

‘Prices are doubled or tripled’ for Chiefs

Khune also highlighted what he believes is a major obstacle for his former side: the inflated prices they face whenever they target leading talent in the domestic market.

“But as we all know, it’s not easy for Kaizer Chiefs to sign the best players they need. Unfortunately, any player Chiefs want, the price will be doubled or tripled, and it’s not fair,” he said.

The 37-year-old argued that the financial landscape of South African football has tilted in favour of some clubs at the expense of others, calling for tighter regulation similar to financial fair play rules seen in Europe.

“So, I think in South African football we need financial fair play because some teams are able to sign players, but other teams are unable to. I think we need to revisit that clause and activate it for fairness in all 16 teams that are in the PSL,” the legendary goalkeeper added.

Chiefs look to build around Da Cruz

Chiefs, now under the guidance of head coach Fernando Da Cruz, are expected to continue adding to the squad before the transfer window closes. The club has not lifted the league title since 2015, and expectations are high that the latest rebuild must deliver tangible progress both at home and in Africa.

Bitegeko’s arrival provides Da Cruz with additional protection in front of the back four, complementing the defensive reinforcement brought by Moloisane and the competition in goal created by Leaner.

The Toyota Cup fixture in Rustenburg will offer Chiefs supporters an early glimpse of how the new signings fit into the team’s structure before the domestic campaign begins.

Despite the recent additions, Khune’s comments underline growing unease among sections of the fanbase that more proven quality is required if Chiefs are to cope with the intensity of a long season, especially with the travel and fixture congestion that accompanies CAF competition.

For now, Amakhosi’s transfer strategy appears measured rather than spectacular. But with the clock ticking towards the close of the window, attention will focus on whether the club’s hierarchy respond to their former captain’s warning and make the further signings he insists are essential to restoring Chiefs’ competitive edge.