Kaizer Chiefs News Today: Amakhosi close in on PSL keeper, La Liga opposition lineup in pre-season & more

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Kaizer Chiefs News Today: Amakhosi close in on PSL keeper, La Liga opposition lineup in pre-season & more
Photo - AF ZA

Latest Kaizer Chiefs news, including reports that Amakhosi are on the verge of signing a Bafana Bafana goalkeeper and confirmation that Fernando da Cruz’s squad will head to Spain for pre-season.

 

Chiefs beat Pirates and AmaZulu to PSL keeper

Renaldo Leaner, Sekhukhune United
Renaldo Leaner, Sekhukhune United

Kaizer Chiefs have emerged as the frontrunners in the race to sign free-agent goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, with reports indicating the Soweto giants have tabled a firm offer to the Bafana Bafana shot-stopper.

SABC reports that Chiefs have won the race for the goalkeeper, having beaten rivals Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu to his signature. Only the final formalities — including personal terms and a medical — remain before the move is completed.

Leaner became a free agent after Sekhukhune United failed to exercise the option to extend his contract before the required deadline, allowing the 28-year-old to depart Babina Noko without a transfer fee.

Should the deal be finalised as expected, Leaner will join a competitive goalkeeping department at Naturena that already includes captain Brandon Petersen, Bruce Bvuma, and Fiacre Ntwari, as new head coach Fernando da Cruz looks to increase competition for the number one jersey.

La Liga and Saudi opposition lined up for Amakhosi

Kaizer Chiefs are set to test their mettle against international opposition in July, with the Soweto giants scheduled to face Spanish La Liga side Elche CF and Saudi Pro League outfit Al Kholood Club in Spain.

Inacio Miguel and Gaston Sirino of Kaizer Chiefs in training.
Inacio Miguel and Gaston Sirino of Kaizer Chiefs in training. Photo: kaizer Chiefs

Amakhosi are set to return to Europe for their pre-season training after camping in the Netherlands last year. The base camp in Europe in 2025 laid the groundwork for a season that saw them finish third in the Betway Premiership — their best campaign since the 2019/20 term, when they ended the season as runners-up to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Two games have so far been confirmed for Chiefs in Spain, where they will play at the Pinatar Arena Football Centre. They will be up against Saudi side Al Kholood Club on 15 July before facing La Liga outfit Elche CF three days later.

Pinatar Arena is a renowned football destination for training camps and friendly matches. The likes of Manchester City, Valencia, and Real Betis have previously used the facility, which was opened in 2013.

Ex-Kaizer Chiefs coach sacked after video scandal

Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzoughi
Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzoughi. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

It has been an eventful few weeks for former Chiefs goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzoughi — and not for football reasons.

Mzoughi has been dismissed by Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca just over two weeks after joining the club. Raja terminated the Tunisian’s contract after a controversial video allegedly involving the goalkeeper coach circulated widely on social media.

The decision follows what insiders describe as a major off-field incident that disrupted preparations less than 24 hours before one of Raja’s key league fixtures.

According to FARPost, a private explicit video, alleged to feature Mzoughi, circulated widely on social media after reportedly being leaked by its recipient. The Moroccan heavyweights are understood to have regarded the matter as gross misconduct that risked damaging the club’s reputation, resulting in Mzoughi’s immediate dismissal.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a sports journalist covering South Africa, with 16 years in sports media and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Focused on football analysis and responsible gambling, his work has appeared on GOAL and Pulse Sports Kenya, and he is a regular football analyst on TV and radio.

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