Oswin Appollis is one of the few players to consistently make the Bafana Bafana squad from a so-called small team, Polokwane City, and could be an ideal signing for Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Media
Kaizer Chiefs’ current position outlines the inconsistency of the mid-table teams in the Premiership, but they still need to bolster their squad to maintain it.
Their surprise 2-1 win against a well-drilled Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday improved them to a respectable fifth place on the log after 12 matches.
The Phefeni Glamour Boys have had an up-and-down season since Tunisian mentor Nasreddine Nabi took over.
From their triumph in the beginning of the season, there has been a lot of turmoil since then.
But with the January transfer window now open, it could be a tale of two halves as we approach the halfway point in the campaign.
The battle between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, on the other hand, has been in a class of its own, and they have simply outshone the rest of the competition.
But despite only five wins and three draws from their 12 matches, Amakhosi, through their troubled season, are only four points away from third-placed Polokwane City with a game in hand.
Their inconsistency has been their biggest shortcoming so far this season.
But with the opportunity to tighten the screws in some of the positions that have let them down so far, they could finish well within the top three by the end of the league as the teams around them have also been dropping crucial points.
Their defensive issues have seen them concede 16 goals so far in the league, whereas both Pirates and Sundowns have only conceded nine between them, having played 11 matches each.
Recap: Nedbank Cup Launch and Draw #Amakhosi4Life #NedbankCup pic.twitter.com/1wT4xMzxZk
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) January 10, 2025
The January transfer window is not the easiest of windows to sign players, but Magesi FC goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze could be a good addition – and he could bring stability into their defence.
He has proven to be a good shot-stopper, and he will be able to do what is required and cut down on some of the defensive mistakes we have seen from Chiefs this season.
He also has enough experience to marshal the defenders in front of him to be a lot more compact.
Stellenbosch FC star Jayden Adams has been one of the regulars in Hugo Broos’ plans for Bafana Bafana.
Aged 23, the versatile attacking midfielder has an Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal to his name.
He has been at the fore of the Cape Winelands side’s recent success in the last two seasons, helping them win their first top-flight trophy in the Carling Knockout and qualification into continental football.
Chiefs have an abundance of young talent within their ranks, but they sometimes lack proven players who have been tested in tough, competitive football for an extended period to be able to carry the pressure that comes with playing for such a big club.
Friday morning's training session #Amakhosi4Life #AlwaysHome pic.twitter.com/FuB3nQUlPG
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) January 10, 2025
Adams, with his intelligence and ability to transition from defence to attack effortlessly, together with his final pass, is ready for such a responsibility.
His Bafana teammate Oswin Appollis is also one of South Africa's brightest talents, and he is one of the few players to consistently make the national side from the so-called small teams, Polokwane City.
The ‘Rise and Shine’ midfielder has long been on the Amakhosi radar, and with the side being in a tricky and unfamiliar position of not being able to compete for top honours and in a rebuilding phase with a new mentor, this could be an ideal time to bring in a player that they can build a team around.
The sale will require a hefty amount, and considering that Orlando Pirates have also shown some interest in the midfielder, the sale could also depend on what the player himself could opt for.
His quality and ability with and without the ball make him one of the best midfielders in the Premiership, and if Chiefs are to return and maintain their stay in the top half of the table, they need a player of his calibre within their ranks.
The Amakhosi are next in action against Golden Arrows at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Sunday (3.30pm kick-off). | Independent Media Sport
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