Kaizer Chiefs new signings rated: The real deals and big gambles

Kaizer Chiefs were one of the teams that did not go big in the just-concluded transfer market, signing five new players while making one loan deal permanent.

As the transfer window shut on Monday, September 21, Chiefs were not active on deadline day as they looked satisfied with what they had done despite some glaring weaknesses in some areas.

Chiefs exploited the free agent market once again with three of the five players they brought in coming at no cost while one was signed on loan with the option to make the deal permanent, meaning Amakhosi did not splash the cash.

Afrik-Foot rates every Kaizer Chiefs signing made in 2026-27.

Kaizer Chiefs new signings

Renaldo Leaner

The goalkeeper was signed as a free agent after leaving Sekhukhune United and had to wait until last Sunday to make his debut.

Leaner had watched as Brandon Petersen made a number of costly mistakes but did not get a chance until the former was injured and when he played, he was immense, pulling off a couple of top saves against Golden Arrows, while staying calm and if he continues like that, the Chiefs No.1 has a battle on his hands.

Verdict: Real deal

Langelihle Phili

The winger arrived from Stellenbosch after negotiations that took nearly three months and looked to be the real deal before an injury struck after playing three games, and scoring one goal.

His raw talent, fearlessness and pace will add another dimension to Chiefs’ attack.

Verdict: Real deal

Thabo Moloisane

Another one signed on a free, the ex-Stellenbosch centre-back has played five games and it is still too early to judge him.

Still, he has been part of a back three that has let in six goals in four games, but the jury is still out as he is yet to be tested when playing in a back four.

Verdict: Jury still out

Faiz Abrahams

Another ex-Stellies player, the forward was signed on loan, with the view to making the deal permanent, and has played four games, three from the bench. He was unlucky that his freekick was not credited to him against Siwelele FC.

Still just 21, he needs time to get used to how coach Fernando da Cruz wants to play and the pressure of featuring for Chiefs. Fans will need to be patient with him.

Verdict: Jury still out

Adolf Bitegeko

Early signs suggest that the Tanzanian has not won the confidence of his coach while in the four games he has played, he is yet to set the stage alight.

Questions are already being asked about the qualities of the ex-Azam FC midfielder, who is yet to start a league game, and he has a big job on his hands to prove his doubters wrong.

Verdict: Gamble

Khanyisa Mayo

The striker is not really new to Chiefs fans as he was signed last year, initially on loan from Algerian side CR Belouizdad. He, however, endured an injury-raved campaign and scored just one goal, netted on his debut last September.

Chiefs still retained confidence in him and made the move permanent. Mayo is yet to play this season as he is nursing an injury but when he returns, there will be nowhere to hide as he will need to hit the ground running to avoid creating doubts in fans’ minds given his debut season was a huge disappointment.

Verdict: Gamble