The Pitso factor: Tsepo Masilela suggests Kaizer Chiefs’ transfer inactivity points to major coaching reset

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Tsepo Masilela believes the club’s quiet January transfer window is less a sign of inertia and more a calculated move tied to plans beyond the current season.

While Betway Premiership front-runners Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates both opted to reinforce their squads despite occupying the top two positions in the table, Chiefs resisted similar pressure to act. That decision has frustrated sections of the Amakhosi support, particularly with the transfer window set to close on 31 January without a single new signing.

Chiefs Football Manager Bobby Motaung has since confirmed that the Soweto giants will not be adding to their squad this month, a stance that has intensified debate around the club’s short-term ambitions and long-term vision. Speaking on the Soccer Beat podcast, Masilela suggested the inactivity points to a bigger structural plan — one that may include a new coach next season.

“I have a strong feeling Kaizer Chiefs will get a new coach for next season,” Masilela said. The former Bafana Bafana left-back argued that signing players now could complicate matters if a new coach arrives with a different philosophy and preferences.

“So do they want to make that mistake now of bringing in new players, give them three-year contracts, and then come pre-season, the new coach says ‘I don’t want this guy, I don’t want that guy’?” Masilela added. He warned that January recruitment could leave the club financially exposed if incoming players fall out of favour before the next campaign even begins.

“Everything becomes an expense at that time. I am thinking from that angle. I am thinking that they have eyed someone. They have someone in mind to take over next season.”

Masilela believes the Chiefs hierarchy may already be planning for a reset, one that prioritises alignment between the coach and the recruitment strategy. “We don’t want to spend now because the coach will want his own players. So project 2026. I believe they need a strong coach. A manager,” he said.

Speculation has again turned to Pitso Mosimane, a name frequently linked with a return to South African football and a possible reunion with Chiefs. “We are all talking about coach Pitso [Mosimane]. I have worked with him [at Bafana Bafana], I know how he manages,” Masilela said.

However, Masilela urged patience should such an appointment materialise, warning against expectations of an instant turnaround.

“We can’t expect coach Pitso to come in and immediately close the gap between us, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. These two teams are the high-flyers… We might need to first target position three or two. Then the progress will continue. Maybe coach Pitso will do it,” Masilela added.

For now, Chiefs’ silence in the market may be speaking louder than any signing.