Kaizer Chiefs have no option but to have the best squad to enable them to compete in the 2024/25 Premier Soccer League campaign after an embarrassing 10th-place finish last season.
When Nasreddine Nabi agreed to help in rebuilding the Glamour Boys' fortunes around, he may have thought it was a relatively easier assignment. However, a 4-0 beating against Young Africans in the pre-season Toyota Cup, painted a vivid picture of the enormous work that us needed at Naturena to make Amakhosi great.
Nabi himself conceded there is no quality in the squad, meaning the experience is limited which makes winning a huge task.
Who have Chiefs signed?
So far, the Glamour Boys have brought in two defenders – Rushwin Dortley and Bongani Sam, goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari who might be replacing Itumeleng Khune as the club's first-choice keeper, but only if he proves he is better than Bruce Bvuma.
Arguably, the best signing has been former Mamelodi Sundowns versatile midfielder, 33-year-old Gaston Sirino. Chiefs argued they brought the South American to the club to add experience that is missing in the current squad.
Another player who is desperate to join Nabi's Amakhosi is Cape Town Spurs and Bafana Bafana international winger Asanele Velebayi. However, the Urban Warriors are playing hardball on Amakhosi, and have so far rejected their offer.
Which strikers should Chiefs consider?
Having strengthened the defense and midfield, Chiefs have to go for strikers who will guarantee them goals on a regular basis. Last season, Ranga Chivaviro and Christian Saile scored four goals which is not good for a forward by any standards.
The Glamour Boys, surely, can't win any competition with strikers who fire blanks, which is one of the reasons why the Tunisian is demanding a new striker. Who should Chiefs go for?
5. Liam Jonathan
The 26-year-old is one of the most intelligent and deadly strikers who can help get goals for Amakhosi and fire them to glory.
Having featured for top overseas teams like Sporting and HB Koge, the former Bidvest Wits player will not find it hard settling at home at the same time providing the Glamour Boys with all the services they need in front of the goal.
He has represented the national team in the U17, U20 and senior team levels.
4. Chawanangwa Kaonga
The Malawian has emerged as one of the players on the Soweto giants’ radar with his experience and versatility seen as a major plus.
Kaonga has 24 caps for Malawi since making his debut in 2015 and has scored three goals during that period.
After being overlooked for over two years, he has become a key player for the Flames since June 2023, featuring in their last 11 games. His three goals for the national team have come during that period when he also provided two assists.
With good services, the 29-year-old can be lethal for the club.
3. Iqraam Rayners
The Stellenbosch attacker had the best 2023/24 campaign where he scored 15 goals to finish second in the race for the Premier Soccer League's Golden Boot, just one strike less than Tshegofatso Mabasa.
His five goals against Polokwane City equaled the record set by former Zambia international James Chamanga. He was part of the Bafana Bafana squad, playing four games and scoring twice.
Chiefs can break the bank and sign the 28-year-old who can as well play on the wings.
2. Aziz Ki
The Burkina Faso international has everything any team wishes for; pace, stamina, experience, and an eye for goal.
The Yanga SC attacker revealed the Glamour Boys had tried to sign him in 2022 but at the time, the Tanzanians project was enticing and he opted to join them.
Nabi can influence Ki to join him in South Africa, but the club should be ready to dig deeper into their pockets considering the fact that he will sacrifice international club football next season to be part of the Amakhosi project.
1. Fiston Mayele
Well, the 30-year-old is Nabi's main target and reports have it that Kaizer Chiefs have already submitted a bid for the DR Congo international.
Mayele is keen on working with the Tunisian at Amakhosi after a successful campaign in Tanzania with Young Africans.
It is up to his current club Pyramids to consider the offer and maybe allow the Glamour Boys secure the services of one of the finest strikers in Africa.