The Angolan international became the fifth signing for Amakhosi but his presence has some implications
Kaizer Chiefs unveiled their fifth signing after agreeing terms with Angolan defender Inacio Miguel Ferreira dos Santos from Petro de Luanda.
Simply known as Inacio Miguel, the 28-year-old centre-back has signed a three-year contract and is the third defender signed by Chiefs in this transfer window following the arrivals of Rushwin Dortley and Bongani Sam.
While it is exciting news for Chiefs fans, it is not for four players at the club, whose futures are now in doubt as the club has exceeded its foreign quarter and will need to release at least two to register the new arrival.
So, who is Inacio Miguel and what are the implications of his arrival?
Football journey
The defender was born in Torres Vedras, Portugal and started his career in the European country, beginning with Vila Real in 2014 before short stints at Felgueiras and Braga B.
He would move to Romania in 2019 to play for Universitatea Cluj, where he lasted two years, before returning to Portugal for a one-year stint with second division side Mafra.
He briefly played for Liepaja in Latvia in 2022 after which he moved to Angolan giants Petro de Luanda last year.
Miguel played just one season for Petro, featuring in the CAF Champions League and winning the Angolan league, before a transfer to South Africa to join Kaizer Chiefs.
Full Angolan international
Inacio has five caps for Angola since making his debut in October 2020 as a halftime substitute in a friendly match against Mozambique.
He was part of the Palancas Negras squad that reached the quarter-final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast early this year.
What did they say?
During his unveiling, Chiefs said they had watched the player enough to be convinced that he is what they need to strengthen their defence.
“We’ve watched him and believe his experience, skill and passion for the game embody the spirit of Kaizer Chiefs and will add a lot of positives in the team,” said Chiefs Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr.
“We believe that he will contribute significantly with his talent and are looking forward to working with him as he writes another chapter of his career in South Africa.”
What else is there to know?
Chiefs fans will be happy to learn that Inacio is not just adept at playing at centre-back but can also slot in as a defensive midfielder, a useful attribute, especially when there are injuries in midfield.
Third player to swap Petro for PSL
Inacio becomes the third player to ditch Angolan champions Petro de Luanda after midfielder Carlinhos signed for Cape Town City while winger Gilberto joined Orlando Pirates.
Who will create room in the Chiefs squad?
The arrival of Inacio spells doom for two of four foreign players currently on the books of Chiefs in Botswana captain Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Mozambican defender Edmilson Dove, Venezuela international Edson Castillo and Congolese forward Christian Saile.
This is because Chiefs now have six foreign players when the rules allow five to be registered.
Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, who arrived from TS Galaxy, and Inacio are the two foreigners who have arrived in this window, and to register both of them, two among Ditlhokwe, Dove, Castillo and Saile will have to pave the way.
